I am not really sure how to write a blog about the many goodbyes I've said in the past few weeks. As hard as they can be, they are also rich. The relationships that developed in the past few months indeed changed my life.
Halfway through my time, I took some time to personally reflect on various questions - a way to assess where I'd come from and where I was going. One of the questions on the list was "what is your exit strategy?" At first I found this question almost repulsive. In the past year, God has been removing my checklist mentality that so often steals from joy and being present in the moments with people. In bringing this question before Him, I delighted to hear His heart was for me to invest more intentionally in relationships - continuing to pursue time with people and pursuing their hearts as well. What a blessing that was.
So, I learned to look for changes in relationships - as small as they may be. Day by day they can change and grow and people change as a result. We change how we think and act because of time spent together. And it is indeed rich.
Hi honey - Changing our thoughts and actions based upon time together. . . that's so true. In shame-based relationships, we come away feeling shame. In true love relationships - no fear, no shame - we come away more fully alive.
ReplyDeleteThat's been on my heart. God gives both kinds of relationships. We know we need Him in the former. The latter tests us our need for Him.