Centripetal and centrifugal. One draws in to the centre. One gives out from the centre. One wants to be the focus. One sees the focus beyond self. The phone rings. It’s Kevin. He asks how I am. He takes the time to hear me out. I ask about him and he offers a decent response, […]
Read More Generosity in RelationshipsIt’s really great to be there for someone else. When they feel lonely or lost motivation to keep going, it’s good to be there as a presence. A presence for peace. A presence for hope. A presence for a degree of consolation. It is one of those privileges in life to know that as someone […]
Read More Dryden Shorts: So Glad You’re HereIt wasn’t the sympathy that did it. It wasn’t the sentiments in words that did it. It’s when he sat next to me, put his arm around my shoulder and sobbed with me. In that moment it was like he didn’t feel for me – he felt with me. Not just that, but the degree […]
Read More Compassion in RelationshipsSome have viewed humility as a rather odd characteristic to have. It is odd enough for people to refer to it in a bid to appear relatable whilst exhibiting behaviour that does not appear that humble at all. This also reveals that there is something important to know about understanding what humility is and how […]
Read More Humility in RelationshipsWhat is the desired outcome of a relationship? Well what makes for beautiful relationships is something a bit more than mutual appreciation. Previously in this series on relationships, I explored how priority in relationships can help in the first place. That considered how loving God first and knowing how we’re loved by God is the […]
Read More Purity in RelationshipsI was watching a gospel music video and a song was being sung to God expressing great love for Him. The lead vocalist brok from the regular singing as he moved to another part of the song and shared a brief bit of wisdom that stuck with me. “You’ll never love anyone right, until you […]
Read More Priority in RelationshipsPower struggle. Desire for control. The schism in the dynamic between one and the other. These are not the most hopeful and optimistic ways of viewing relationships, but you probably have a good idea of a number of interactions between people who for whatever reason are close whose engagements are defined by these terms. When […]
Read More A Start To Enjoying Healthy RelationshipsHow do you know when you’re made to feel welcome? What do you look for? Jesus was made to feel welcome whenever he visited a place called Bethany. He knew he would be welcome there because of three people – Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha evidently took a leading role in hospitality. She knew that […]
Read More Is He Welcome Here?She was venting. That much was clear. There was one thing she said, though, that almost made me lose it. I found myself typing furiously in response and was about to send the message. Then Wisdom popped up and asked me if that was really the thing to do. I deleted the whole missive. God […]
Read More Dryden Shorts: Delete – Wisdom Does ThatWhat do you believe? Why do you believe it? Can we explore it? Can we talk about that? When we disagree, how will we handle that? Is there agreement on the value of truth and respect? Can we have a conversation about it? What is there worth valuing in life? How do you define those […]
Read More Dryden Shorts: Have A Conversation About It
Life With CD 