Monday, February 18, 2008

Healthy Relationships Take Some Work

Several months ago, my wife and I sold our house, packed up, and moved. The house sold quickly and the buyer was in a hurry to get in, so we moved at warp speed to accommodate them. Now, if you have ever moved before, I know you'll relate to this. We worked really hard for a few days and moved all the heavy stuff and a quick glance around the place looked like we just had a little more left. You know, just a few things here and there. Shouldn't take us more than a day or 2 to finish things up. Yeah, right! Try 3 more very long days and a quick trip for a few final things just hours before closing.


It's happened every time I've moved. I think I'm almost finished, and then there's a few more things. I think I have just one more load, but I never can quite fit everything. In the middle of it all, there are those moments when I think this is never going to end. Add to the mix, that I'm having to put things in storage and that presents a whole new dimension to things. You think you've got plenty of space only to have to rearrange things three or four times to get it all in there.


The job just didn't look that big. Of course, it never does. A quick glance, never tells the whole story. On the surface, things can appear quite different than they truly are. It's only when you get knee deep in the thing that you begin to see it as it truly is.

As we walk through life together, our interaction with one another is not all that different. A first glance never tells the whole story, does it? It's not until we are knee deep into the relationship that we realize this relationship is gonna take some work. It makes no difference if its a marriage relationship, friendship, or family member. Any and all relationships take work. And during the process, there are those moments when we feel we are making major progress, as well as those moments when we feel we've not made any progress.

The truth is, if we continue to work at it, and we continue to invest time and energy into relationships, we will see progress. If we'll make it a point to communicate, to become transparent, and constantly ask ourselves what it looks like to truly walk in love, our relationships will prove to be healthy.

Of course, all relationships are two way streets. When only one individual is committed to growth in the relationship, it can definitely seem like an uphill battle. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you are only responsible for what you put into the relationship. We can't control anyone else and we can't be responsible for their actions. With that in mind, just keep at it. Give it everything you've got and then trust the Holy Spirit to begin to work on your behalf.

No comments:

Post a Comment