It did not have to be blown out of all proportion. People did not need to get hurt. All it needed was …
It was not the phone call or a text message. That would allow distance, that would keep them at arm’s length and further. Words would be exchanged, but they would not have that personal touch. It was a personal touch that had worked wonders before.
On one occasion they had sat in an office. A desk separated them, but there was eye to eye contact. They talked for hours on a wide range of subjects. The ease with which they had made each other feel comfortable to share energised both of them and gave them permission to be vulnerable. The beauty of that time was such that they could exchange weaknesses without being weaker for it and encourage each other knowing they had each other’s support.
Developing on a series of similar conversations gave them an understanding of each other, how they flowed, their sense of humour, what silence would mean and being considerate to actions that might have put off a stranger. This was built on the time they invested in the conversation.
As time went on, the conversations got more sporadic. Time was becoming an issue where none could be invested. The interim period saw other things begin to take up attention and focus. This created a minor crack in relations that over time and lack of investment became a definite gap and eventually a distinct chasm.
When one wanted to purse a direction, he assumed he had the support of the other, but had not invested in the relationship to make that assumption. Other voices came in between endeavouring to sow further discord in relations. As the other saw the nature of chasm in relations, he knew it was time to move on.
It was tragic that it had to end that way. It certainly didn’t need to. All it needed was a simple conversation.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 