Daily Efforts in Relationship Building
When we built our home in 1973, we purchased the parcel of land. It was a corner lot on 3/4 of an acre on a slight hill. We excitedly sought out blueprints that would be ideal for us and hopefully a family. We watched as the hole was dug for the foundation on April 1st. Forms were fitted and concrete poured. Soon the construction began and each room took shape. It was a dry spring and it never rained until Mid July. An ideal situation couldn’t have been planned any better.
A young mom sits at a wrestling match for one of her 5 children will tending to the 4 month old at her side. Mom’s are the best!
We actually moved in on July 1st. All was complete except for the main level, which we worked on ourselves. We did our own staining and finishing work over the next year. Ever since we have made improvements. We have great memories of how it all went together from blueprints that we had tweaked and modified to fit our needs.
Well in many ways, relationships are built in the same way. Unfortunately, there are no simple blueprints. It takes time and effort to be present. We need to be involved and aware of another person’s needs. We need to listen and become part of their world. It doesn’t go as quickly as we’d like and may happen in small increments. Our good friends develop over the years. We support their interests, listen to their dreams, and share in their disappointments.
As spouses we give our time and energy to help one another grow and blossom into professions. We go together to the local hardware store. We grocery shop and invite others to join us for dinner. We travel together from short day trips to more extensive trips overseas. We attend family birthday parties, attend to aging parents, and pray together.
When it comes to family, we drive one another to their events. As parents, we give 100% of our time and energy to helping our children become the best version of themselves. Initially we feed, clothe, and teach the basic skills of trusting and loving others. We attend school events, sit at band concerts, attend ballet recitals, and pick them up from sporting events. We laugh and cry with one another!
We spend our time to daily help with homework and attend open houses. All the while we are encouraging them to try new sports and meet people. We take them to church each week to help them develop good self disciplines for attending regularly with like minded people. We have the hope that they will develop a strong faith and healthy moral compass. All the while, we are taking the time to develop one-on-one long term relationships.
With the use of social media, which we all enjoy, we must reach out to one another and talk to one another. I have tried to do that more. Today I took a 5 minute break at the Bank to talk with one of the receptionists. I was on a time limit, but figured I could also end up wasting that at a red light. I didn’t get stuck and found it to be a win-win.
Neighbors returned from a “snowbird” vacation; my intentions are to drop off some pastry to welcome them back. Time is just elusive and yet we need to prioritize.
Years ago a neighbor was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a Thursday and I thought I’d stop over there on Monday. I was in my twenties and about to learn a big lesson that week. Well our plans changed to attending a wake when I heard he died that weekend. Never put off what you think is important. So much is out of our control and prioritizing changes with the day.
Engage with friends and family today. Don’t wait to do what is important. Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!