Of all the things we manage beyond self none is more challenging, frustrating, annoying, rewarding and fulfilling than relationships.
By relationships, I mean with people, so in as much as some may be disheartened to realise I am not including dear faithful Rover, or the adorable Nibbles the hamster, I am exclusively referring to people. Managing relationships is not just a skill it truly is a matter of the heart. The ability to apply wisdom to navigate through them is not something a book could ever adequately cover, let alone a blog entry, yet it is still worth noting the amazing wonder of fruitfully interacting with another member of the species.
No wonder scripture makes plain the key to it all is about love. This powerful ability to give of self to the betterment of the other that finds its roots in God through Jesus Christ does amazing things to us when we engage. Despite our brokenness, our brief glimpse of how things can be in a smile, an act of hospitality, a moment of empathy, a lifetime of parenting, an eternity of mutual serving points at the majestic splendour found in the investment of managing relationships.
It is about how I engage with my wife, children, siblings and friends. More still it is about how I interact with those who dislike me, oppose me and seek my harm. The ability to manage my part in those relations can be the difference between turning an enemy into a friend or turning a minor issue into all out turmoil and conflict.
Oh for the grace and wisdom to manage relationships in a way pleasing to the Prince of Peace.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 