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.  While not trying to be too dramatic, this really is an awful thing.  Our time on Earth is so small, and another breath is not promised.  It’s important, therefore, to make this a priority!

 

            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 everyone.  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 opportunities 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 of 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.

 

            I encourage you to consider all the roles you have in the interactions with people you are around every day, week or year.   What could you do, and set as a priority, to cultivate your relationships?

 

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