This past week I've spent some time reflecting on the people in my life that I've some form of a relationship with.
I look at relationships as a form of investment, and to some degree it actually is.
I would like to walk away from every relationship knowing that I gave something of value to that person's life; unfortunately that isn't always the case, even when I may perceive it to be that way.
Let's take a look at a relationship of marriage - both parties start out and should continue to invest themselves into strengthening the bonds of their love by acts of kindness, forgiveness and love.
Then something happens and the marriage turns sour, stale, lifeless, and empty - what happened? CHANGE took place!Two people who once cherished, and pledge undying love to each other have suddenly become strangers living under one roof.
Without giving the time required, the communication needed, deterioration begins within, which eventually finds its way out.
Sometimes, it is us, and sometimes it isn't us, but regardless who it is, changes are evitable.
So as I looked at my relationships at all levels, I came to the shocking conclusion that the depth of friendship I once had with some has now been reduced to a surface relationship.
The connection no longer seems to be there, and it doesn't have to be because of a disagreement or falling out - which isn't the case, life is happening and with that changes automatically comes into play.
I realized that it simply comes down to "changes of life".
As the days roll into weeks and the weeks months and the months years, we change, our looks change, our taste buds change, our circumstances change, our responsibilities change, we get married, have kids, career change, our priorities change, our spouses change, our friendships change, etc.
And so it is, and ready or not, it is a reality - I suddenly awoke to this fact, and despite the feelings of sadness that accompany this fact, it is just that! I can fight against it, and find I'm fighting against something that I will lose at, or I can embrace and accept it for what it is, because I am powerless to control, alter or change people.
In all this we can find comfort that regardless of the changes life brings - sometimes beautiful and sometimes not.
We can still remain unchanged in this fact that we can connect to our God at any given time, and His love remains steadfast and unchanging.
After spending a few hours talking and reasoning with my inner thoughts and feelings, I have embraced this fact - besides, why fight a losing battle?So whatever changes you are facing today, I encourage you to stop fighting against it, you may be doing yourself more harm than good.
Take a step back, observe the situation, and make a healthy decision for you.
You'll be better for doing it!