This morning I’m remembering.
Remembering people and events and conversations.
Remembering people who influenced my life in positive ways.
Remembering friends willing to endure a relationship with me. Not just for days or trends, jobs or moods.
For seasons. For years. For decades.
One morning last week I spent time with my best friend from high school (I’m honored to be spending time with him regularly again—please read about it on my book Equilibrium), then a dear friend I’m honored to minister with now, then a close friend from my college days and my years of ministry in Orlando. Those three men have helped me become a better man. Last Friday I spent time with each one in person—before 9:00am. Thank you Bill Parten and Jason McCary and Garrett Bain.
That morning reminded me again: relationships matter.
Yesterday morning I sat and talked to a friend I worked with, then worked for. We listen, we pray, we share ideas, we ask questions. Thank you C. Tracy Reynolds.
Yesterday afternoon I sat and talked with friends I’ve known for the last decade. They’ve moved away. But geographical distance doesn’t necessarily equal relational separation. Thank you Jon Campbell and Erica Campbell.
That day reminded me again: relationships matter.
Do not avoid them. Do not escape them.
Cherish them. Pursue them. Remember them.
I could add more names. The people who understand the value of love and care. The people who have accepted me. The people who have encouraged me. So many dear, true friends I could include.
But I’ll choose two more: a mom and a dad. I’ll include those two.
Today is my Mama’s birthday. I’ve written about her and talked about her. Often. She passed away when I was young. I’m missing her today. I miss her every day. I want to tell her about my friends. I want her to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Instead, I think back. And give thanks for her kindness to her kid. Thank you Mama.
I also remember my dad. This month is the third anniversary of his death. I’m thinking again about the years, the meals, the smiles, the miles, the questions. I’m thinking again about our final conversation that Thursday night. Thank you Pops.
This day reminds me again: relationships matter.
Talk.
Listen.
Forgive.
Love.
Relationships do matter. They shape us. Having the right people in our corner is crucial in life. But they take work and vulnerability. Be ready to listen because it could flourish into lasting friendships.
Relationships are what keep us going. If we were alone then we would have no desire to succeed because who would we need to succeed for? Relationship give us inspiration to do better . To have that sense of accomplishment. Making someone smile is better than when we smile. Listening and loving are the two most important things to do. In that order
Relationships are so meaningful having relationships and love is one of the best things about being human. Right now I am really struggling in a romantic relationship, he cares about me a lot but fails to show it time and time again. This hurts me and makes me feel abandoned. I don’t know what to do, I care and love him so much and don’t want to lose him but I deserve to be treated better.
Relationships are incredibly important. All of the people I’m really close to help me to determine the next steps in my life and I cherish these people. My mom and dad, and my close friends especially.
I love how intentional you were in thanking the people that are important relationships in your life. That is something I want to be more intentional about doing. The people around us form and shape us so much into who we are today. They are people who walk through life with us and care for us. They are important to intentionally be thanking.
This blog shows us the importance of relationships in our life, they emphasize the value of cherishing and pursuing relationships, rather than avoiding or escaping them. Relationships in our lives and how they inspire us to succeed and do better. I believe that relationships give us a sense of accomplishment and purpose. I agree that we should prioritize listening and loving others, and make an effort to be intentional about appreciating and thanking the people who are important to us.
We are not meant to be alone. The body consists of many different parts; it is not just a hand, or a foot. A variety of components make of the body; the same is with the body of believers. We need each other. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have my group of people surrounding me, loving me, lifting me up, and holding me accountable. I often feel as if I don’t do a good job at showing them that I am thankful for them. But just as I can depend on them, they can depend on me.
This was a great reminder that relationships do matter. All of the relationships that I have with people have helped shape me into the person I am today. A lot of the people that I have in my corner are very important to me and this reminded me to be thankful for them and not to take them for granted. I need to show more gratitude to these people and show them how thankful I really am for them and all they have done for me in my life.
I love the idea of the simplest verse that is written, “Jesus wept”. It does so much with so little. It goes into the idea that Jesus is fully human. He is not excluded from the human emotions we often face. I think this is often forgotten when we think of Jesus. And the idea that even Jesus dealt with even the most trivial issues we face. That being said, I think it is important that we embrace the emotions that come with grief. Even if it is something like a friend or co-worker we used to be close with but now we are not.
This week’s lesson on relationships is really important in this day and age. In a post covid world, many relationships had to be put on pause due to the lockdown. This led to many relationships to deteriorate. It is up to us to rebuild those connections, as those are the ones we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
This is such a good reminder, Pastor Chris. It is even mentioned in the Bible that we are not meant to go through life alone. We are meant to be surrounded by people. There are times when we should distance ourselves so we can hear from the Lord, but we need to have mentors and Godly friends in our lives that can pour into us and speak life into us. Community is so important.