Relationships take work whether it’s a marriage, family relationships or friendships.  Even the best of friends, the closest siblings or the most loving couples disagree at times.  I think that is part of human nature and certainly independent thinking.  We certainly don’t have the same opinion about every topic.  How boring would that be?  Early on in most relationships outside of the family, people normally put their best foot forward and usually try not to criticize their new friends/acquaintances so as to make a good impression, but as we grow and change, differing opinions are bound to crop up. 

What this shows us is that change is inevitable in most relationships as in everything else and compatibility is flexible.  We can look at these differences and use them as an opportunity for growth or we can remain stubborn and rigid and assume a relationship can’t or won’t work because we disagree on something.  Relationships almost always provide an opportunity for expansion of our thinking.  We can learn about ourselves and others both emotionally and spiritually.  The nature of our relationships change as we hopefully mature as we progress.  I’m certainly not advocating staying in a toxic situation, but working on a meaningful relationship is almost always worth the time and effort.

I think I have learned something from every person I have ever had a relationship with in my life.  Some were major life lessons and others were more trivial, but they were learning experiences none the less and all valuable in their own right. Sometimes it may seem easier to do things on our own, but that is a lonely proposition and one I would not relish.  My relationships are very important to me and feed my soul.

My most important relationship is with the Lord and unlike my others, it is one I can always count on to stay the same.  As we read in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  What a wonderful and comforting relationship to have.  All I have to do is accept Him as my Lord and Savior and He will give me the grace I certainly do not deserve.  He always remains the same and I can count on His unconditional love.  What an awesome relationship!

Patty