What do you treasure?
Today was to be the very first article from Tim, the gentleman I introduced in my featured post. I’m not sure if I misunderstood something in our email conversations or if the timing just didn’t work out for him to start this week. I hope that this column will be his to write beginning next week, I really do.
But my gut says differently.
Even so, I’ll continue to pray that God’s will is not for me to host this column.
The thing is though, that I’ve lived through a few lessons lately when it comes to people and I think lessons like those are always for a reason. I have also been learning things about myself and some of them have been difficult to accept. God has been speaking to me about valuing the real treasures in life, people. And not just those in my family but all people. We are all to show no favoritism as a matter of fact.
I’ve come to realize that relationships are incredibly important.
It was about a year and a half ago when a friend told me something that seemed to be the catalyst to all those lessons I mentioned. He said that our relationships are the only thing that we will take with us to heaven. His statement really made me think (and pray) because I know that I haven’t always thought about relationships in that light.
I can’t honestly say that in my lifetime I’ve put an emphasis on building strong relationships. Easy ones? Well yes, I like the easy relationships. People who laugh at my jokes, are exceptionally kind, and bake me brownies are usually the ones I gravitate toward.
But working at a relationship? Hmmm, is that really necessary?
Well, as many of you with families may already know, the answer is yes. In a marriage working at building a strong relationship is essential. As with our children too and parents, siblings, and all family members. But if we’re to show no favoritism then the same must apply to neighbors, co-workers, and our church families.
His statement put a whole new spin on the command to, “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….”
This column will focus on relationships with an emphasis on marriage and family. If we can get those two right it will greatly affect the rest of our relationships. If Tim isn’t here writing next week then I’ll be here. And I guess we’ll just learn to value relationships together.
So which one of you will bring the brownies?
I’m definitely good for a pan of brownies!
Relationships don’t just “happen” unless you’re a 5 year old on the playground…and even then they often end in some selfish battle! I’m learning how important it is to cultivate my relationships with friends, family and my spouse. It’s really all about being a servant-minded (on purpose).
I treasure you, Lauren! I will so join you when Kim brings the brownies.
This was a very good post. Excellent thought to share.
Awww, brownies and friends, could there be anything better? Thanks for hanging out with me.
The funny thing about relationships is that they take time, vulnerability and forgiveness (at times) for them to move forward to any level of depth that brings true friendship, whether you mean a relationship with God or with his other creations walking this earth.
A dash of humor with a side of brownies never hurts either.
Some relationships happen easily. Some take so much work that it’s easy to throw in the towel. I wish I took more time with some of my harder relationships.
I’m with you. Brownies and friends are great together!
My personality is such that I’ve always been a very loyal friend and put time and effort into friendships. To the point that it’s easy to get hurt when others don’t do the same - even if they aren’t intentionally blowing me off. Sometimes I need to step back a little bit!
Very nice thoughts! I’m a fan of brownies… and if it’s from a box, I can usually whip up a mean batch.
Lauren, I love you. I love your heart, and I love your enthusiasm. Thanks for jumping in and covering this week!
This same thought has been going round and round in my head the past few weeks….love is spelled TIME and relationships all need us to give time to them for them to grow and keep growing. Our true treasure is what we send to heaven ahead of us and heaven here on earth is good relationships, which do take tiem and effort and deferring to others….it really helps to have a servants heart in every relationship that we have. Great thoughts…
Looks like you’ve got enough brownies…but I’ll still bring a pan!