Gratitude Day 647

2 Timothy 2:24 – For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature.

A little perspective is often good.

Important.

Necessary.

Over the weekend, Hubby Rick and I were talking about a situation where someone has seemingly chosen to distance themselves from people who care for this person. I am confident other folks feel disappointed with this situation. And yet, it often feels like there is truly little, if anything, that can be done to change the situation.

We can only control ourselves and how we respond to a situation. We cannot control how someone else responds.

And so, we pray. Wait. Hope this person’s heart is changed.

Without trying to go all overboard, here’s the deal. When I have sat with families while they make arrangements for a loved one, I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER, heard a family member say, “Oh, I wish (my loved one) had a bigger house.” Or more money saved. Or some other material thing.

No, this is not what I hear at all.

Here’s what I hear:

“I wished we could have one more conversation together.”

“I wish that I would have told them that I loved them more.

“I hope they know how much I respect them.”

“Do you think they know for sure that I appreciate all they did for me?”

Sometimes, we let little things get in the way of an important relationship. Sometimes, we let big things get in the way. Here’s the deal:

No relationship will ever be perfect.

The sooner we stop expecting a relationship be perfect, the more enjoyment we’ll squeeze out of the friendship.

I get it. Sometimes, there are topics where we find it hard to let be and let go. We want to be right and so does the other person. We feel so terribly hurt that we cannot see beyond the hurt. We think the other person should make the first move towards us. And we’ll just wait until they do.

Folks – live is short. Too short. Life can change in a hot minute … for the good as well as for the challenging. I’m trying to allow for healthy space for folks who have a different opinion than I do. I’m trying to focus more on celebrating relationships rather than being right. I’m trying to let the big … and the little stuff … simply be.

We call today “the present” because EVERY DAY is a gift from God. Let’s treat today like a present … and choose to let things not get in the way of living our lives. Yes, sometimes, they will continue to distract us, quite honestly. And this is OK. May we celebrate what we have … and leave the rest to God.  

For the ability to talk with God about challenging relationships, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Lord God – Place it upon my heart to want to be very close with you. May I choose to have an attitude where I want to embrace you every day. Amen.

If you have enjoyed this blog, please pass it along to someone else who will also enjoy it.