Importance of Relationships

"No man is an island."

I remember basing my entrance exam to Baylor off of that quote and emphasizing how important community was. I think I would write something different now in my life as I have come to truly understand the importance of relationships for others, myself, and giving to them intentionally. There have been many people along the way that have shaped my view on relationships but only a handful have left a lasting impression that they are still leaving today on me.

I am hard to get to know...there I said it. I've been confirmed in this by others "I didn't think we would be friends, but once I got to know you...", "You were intimidating before I knew you.". This is something I do on purpose, I think. See, I'm an extremely intentional person and my relationships have grown to be a vital part of my life that I want to be intentional and purposeful in them. I don't want to give a little, I want to give my all in relationships.

Of course, my husband, David, has taught me the most about that. And what a return I have gotten on that investment as I'm blessed with getting to know him as well. Without him to be safe and vulnerable with, I would not truly understand the importance of human relationship and trust. We have had our hard times, but I proudly say that I feel more in love with him because I took a chance on loving him completely and he did the same in return. We have a good marriage because we value that relationship more than anything.

I've come to discover recently about myself that I'm an all-or-nothing kind of gal. Not a bad thing, but comes with its hangups as well. I kept expecting people to give to the relationship in the same way I did. Well, that's not realistic, and in that expectation I was continually disappointed to the point where I almost lost my best friend. This relationship with my friend Tara has taught me the most about relationships and how vitally important they are for growth, accountability, love, and laughter.

I had been praying for about a year now for that best friend in my life, as Tara and I had grown a part. There was no reason for this except laziness, lack of commitment, lack of communication and distance that caused this...so I guess you could say there were four reasons.  Anyways, when I didn't have her in my life there was a void. I needed that woman in my life who was a working mom, wife, daughter, confidant, fun and unconditional love.  A person that would push me when I didn't want to be pushed and that knew me enough to ask the questions when the answers weren't coming. Now, praise the Lord, that I have her back in my life I know God answered a prayer. However, there was a commitment and understanding that had to be made by me and her that we were going to be intentional about this relationship. I'm not going to give to a friendship unless I'm 100% into it because that's not fair to the other person. Luckily, I have been able to still be deep and intentional without missing out on the small talk, the girly talk, that is necessary in order for me to get the meat of a relationship. Thank you Tara for the blessing you have given me in showing how God is faithful to answer prayers, and showing me how Jesus loves me by loving me unconditionally and without expectation.

So, no man is an island and I'm exploring and learning more right now about how I can be more intentional with others. I hope that all my encounters with people are intentional and focused on some kind of level. This gives me energy and I feel is a strength of mine. Don't forget to love your friends and those around you and really realize how important they are.