Simply put; we change the older we get. So do the other people in our lives. We must pay close attention so our relationships do not suffer due to these changes. Our children continually alter their focus in life. One day they enjoy watching Barney and the next day cartoons are for babies. Our friends grow as well. One day they may desire shopping and the next day they may abstain from all stores. One day your spouse may love Italian food and the next day desire Chinese.
To keep our relationships nurtured, we must keep tabs on the changes. We might need to sacrifice our own interests from time to time and give attention to another's. Bonding occurs when we meet another where they are and join them on a walk to learn more about them. I am not saying to leave your path in life and mimic your friend, child or spouse; but, in order to keep connected, you may need to go and visit theirs from time to time.
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend." ~Albert Camus~
Take your loved one's hand and walk beside them. Love them for who God created them and appreciate the differences. Avoid trying to mold your children to be just like you. Allow them the freedom to discover who God created. Avoid looking down upon a friend just because his/her interests changed due to her season of life. Yet, encourage him/her and walk with them to learn more about the new interest. Avoid nagging at your spouse to change (this will NOT work, only cause unnecessary arguments) so their desires come in sync with yours. Seek to understand their desires.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 2:3-5)
"Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
Although our interests change with seasons in life, we must remain focused on God at all times. God must stay in the center of every relationship. Trust in Him and do good. He knows your heart and understands your desire to love one another. He will nourish every relationship He feels necessary. Loved ones must keep one another faithful and continue to turn towards God. He does offer pleasures here for us to enjoy, but avoid placing them before your obedience to Him. Serve Him wholeheartedly so you may feel peace within and spread that to all you encounter.
Just as we must go and meet our loved ones on their path to share their interests, God will meet you wherever you may be and guide you hand in hand to where He planned. Accept Him into your life and enjoy the blessings He will pour out. Take time to spend with Him. Take time to spend with your loved ones. What relationship in your life needs some nourishment today? Seek God to find the answer on how to bring the relationship back and the bond stronger.
God, thank you for another day here. Thank You for all my loved ones. Show me how to become a better partner in marriage, as a parent, a daughter-in-law, an aunt, a sister, a daughter and a friend. I want to love as You love. I place you at the center. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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