WORKING WELL WITH RELATIONSHIPS
We do not exist in a vacuum; from the day that we are born we are in relationships... our mother, father, siblings, spouses, friends, co-workers etc… The reality is that our relationships can be a blessing or a challenge, or a bit of both!
If we are realistic, we will realise that we are all human with the flaws that go with that. However, the good news is that we are not helpless pawns in a game but have the freedom of choice.
The first relationship to analyse is the relationship we have with ourselves.
It can be positive or negative or vacillate between the two. The prophet Isaiah wrote this “Woe to me! ..for I am a man of unclean lips….” (Isaiah 6:5). Take some time to consider the following personal assessment…..
What do I feel about myself?
What personality do I have? Introvert/extrovert, intuitive/sensing, thinking/feeling, judging/perceiving? Have I accepted/embraced my unique personality?
Am I struggling with expectations from others? Whose expectations?
Am I struggling with my own expectations? What is driving me?
Am I struggling with my perception of what God’s expectation of me is?
Do I feel that my life is significant? Apart from the financial necessity, our work gives us a sense of having a meaningful place in this world, however it is not the only place where we find significance…
What actually drains the life out of me?
The second is to analyse is our relationships with others.
Am I an Introvert? (a shy inwardly thoughtful person) or an Extrovert? (an outgoing or sociable person)
Am I struggling with expectations from others? Who? Name them for yourself. Whose voice is dictating in your head?
How healthy are my relationships?
Am I struggling with what I feel is God’s expectations of me?
I love the old song… ”getting to know you, getting to like you, hope you like me!”
Know ourselves, like ourselves!
Know others, getting to like others!
Know you are loved by God! “For God so loved the world..” (John 3:16)
