Relationships in the "Theater of Life"

            The question was asked,  “If you could change one thing you are doing (or aren’t doing) right now, that if done on a regular basis, would make a positive change in your personal relationships, what would it be?”

            I had to think about that a while and realized I wasn’t doing nearly enough to communicate with my loved ones, or others, that I cared about them.  That set me to doing some searching again and I plan on sharing over the next few weeks some of what I learned.

            The truth is when I recognize the different roles I play in the “theater of life” I see I probably behave somewhat differently in each one.  I am a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, student, friend, cousin, niece, aunt and probably others!  And each of these roles dictate a certain amount of responsibility that helps form the relationship.  

            Relationships take time and there is no one way that works for every one.  But that said, there are certain facts and information relevant to every situation.  The first ingredient to remember in building a strong and solid relationship is trust.  How we handle that trust, can determine whether or not the relationship will grow or fade.   Some material I was reading suggested paralleling trust in relationships, to a bank account.   

            Every day we have the opportunity to make deposits in the "relationship account," like following through on a commitment, being kind, encouraging, honest or helpful.  Conversely we also have opportunities to make withdrawals in the form sarcastic remarks, missing set appointment times, inattentiveness, gossip and a whole lot more insensitive behaviors.  But when we have made consistent “deposits” in a relationship, the occasional unintended “withdrawal” will probably not permanently damage the relationship.  However, consistent “withdrawals” in a relationship will cause the relationship to thin, unravel and eventually completely deteriorate.  

            It seems to me our world has produced a society where duplicity, shady behavior, lack of integrity, respect and traditional values is accepted more often than all that is good!  This is sad because cynicism begets cynicism.  Generation after generation becomes more and more skeptical about those he works with, his family and acquaintances.  Life is filled with distrust, sarcasm and disdain about what is truth, valuable, or meaningful.   

            Our relationships are what sustains us from day to day and “event to event” regardless if good or bad.  This relationship challenge includes the one we have with our God.  Relationships don’t just “happen.”  They are nurtured, cherished, developed and supported, allowing for those involved space to grow, fall, develop, mature and ultimately “fly” as we become the person we are to be.  

Yet I have heard it said that sometimes we have friends for a “season.”  I don’t disagree with this statement.  Often, these relationships, however short in a space of time, can make an indelible mark on a person’s life.

            Over the next week, consider all the roles you have in the interactions with the people you are around every day, week or year.  How do your peers view you?  How do you view your peers?  Are your relationships real or superficial?  Do you see the relationships growing or faltering?  Do you want the relationships, however varied as wife, mother, student, friend, professional or any other way to grow?  If so, what could you do, and set as a priority to cultivate that relationship?

        Enjoy your week!  I hope you see relationships bloom all around you!