Relationships to stand the test of time
One thing that enabled me to handle adversity was something put in place long before the storm of events hit. This “thing” didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t happen because I said that it should. I didn’t put myself first and that certainly didn’t happen without effort.
This “thing” is the relationships that I have in my life. Where do they come from? How can I keep them? Even better yet, how can I tell YOU how to get them and keep them?
I can only recommend how to get them and keep them, because relationships come in varying ways for varying reasons.
My wife is nothing short of a Godsend. By saying that we are in a “relationship” seems like a gross understatement. Moving on…
I could name hundreds of people that have had an impact on me. But not all of these relationships come from people that are related to me – like Earl, Pete, Jeff, Bill, Warren and Rye. Beyond those six, there is a name that I haven’t mentioned. He’s the kind of friend that I could call in the middle of the night and ask him to meet me and he’d be there. He’s been there for me and my family in good times and bad.
How did he become my friend? I don’t remember wishing for a friend like him, but I can’t imagine life without him. I don’t remember praying for a friend like him, but I remember praying with him. I don’t remember thanking him, but I DO thank God that he’s in my life,
How did I keep him as my friend?
I paid him. 🙂
Well, that’s what he’d tell you. But, I’d tell you that I’m blessed to have such a friend. At the same time, there has to be a connection and there is a connection. We both are approximately the same age, with wives from Northwest Ohio and kids that are of similar ages. God put us together in 1999 and hasn’t taken us apart ever since.
Without the relationships in my life, I’m not sure where I would be.
I’d say that my advice to you is:
- Give more than you take.
- Trust others. My dad always trusted everyone that he knew, until that trust was betrayed. This is a great way to start.
- Be reflective. Look back over the last 6 months, 6 years and even more.
- Reconnect with those people with whom you’ve lost touch. We can all do better at that. It may not seem like much, but it will have an impact.
Do you have any relationship secrets that you’d like to share?
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You’ve said a lot in a few words Brian. It seems as if so many in today’s world are worried they’re going to be taken advantage of. I say put yourself out there anyway. If your goal is to make life better for others and you live your life in that manner, God will take care of you.
I would have to agree. It only takes one person to do something extra. Then the chain of events will begin. Others will become a “domino” and may not even know it.