Relationship

I enjoy taking words and breaking them down finding other words that can be made from the main word. It's a brain teaser and God know's, I need my brain teased occasionally.

The other day I took the word "relationship" and began finding other words that could be made from it. Some of the words I found were:

• Heart, hear, heal, spirit, shine, slip, learn, liar, least, prison, praise, past, tries, tear, train, real, raise, riot.

These are just a few of the words I found. And then as I looked over the list, I realized that they explain the experiences of what relationships are all about.

Relationship takes "heart." Sometimes those you love the most you seem to hurt the most, but hopefully you "learn" from your mistakes and become "real" with those you've hurt; otherwise you might cause a "riot" in your home.

Some have been in relationships that feel like a "prison." The "past" can be a prison that hinder's your healing. "Raise" yourself up from where you are. Get a fresh perspective. Forgive and learn to love again. Don't compare earthly relationships to your heavenly one. Start with God and allow Him to bring hope - which by the way is another word that can be made from the word relationship.

Jesus taught that the "least" would be the greatest as He aptly described servant leadership. As we learn to put other's first, true joy fills our hearts and lives. Contrary to popular opinion, chivalry is not dead. Helping other's brings joy that money cannot buy. And the next time you help someone, try doing it without them or anyone else noticing. You'll feel even better. And God will make sure that what you've done in secret will be rewarded openly in heaven.

On April 11, 1984, President Roland Reagan said, "I've always believed that a lot of trouble in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other." Wise words spoken by the late President; now if we would just practice them.

Relationships take time and effort. They take triumph, which is try combined with umph. Are you willing to put yourself in someone else's shoes? Are you willing to see things through their eyes? Maybe if you looked at the situation the way they did, you might understand why they reacted like they did. Relationships are not 50-50; they are 100-100. You must give 100%.

Will you have bad days? Sure. It rains on the just and the unjust. A fulfilled relationship is not based on chance. It's based on choice. Choose to do. Choose to be. Choose to give. Choose to love. If that love is not reciprocated, then turn to God in prayer. Sometimes, relationships fail because one party is unwilling to give and take. But that's the very nature and definition of relationships. Therefore if someone is not willing to give and take, they are not interested in the best outcome for the relationship and have exhibited their true selfish colors. The Bible instructs us to "live peacably with all" but the same verse also says, "If it be possible" and "as much as lieth in you." (See Romans 12:18). The point is that you should do as much as you can and leave the rest to God.

The great hope we have is that no matter how well or bad relationships have gone for us on earth, there is an eternal relationship that is based on the fact that God IS love. It doesn't say that God "has" love. It says God IS love. He will never leave you or fail you. He will never forsake you. He sticks closer than a brother. His love is unending and unconditional.

Bask in His love. Let Him comfort you through His word today. You are the apple of his eye. He wants to "shine" His love on you and through you. "Hear" Him call you today. Offer Him your best "praise" as He is worthy of the highest praise. He is not a "liar." Philip Yancey said, "There is nothing you can do to make God love you any less; and there is nothing you can do to make God love you any more."

Now, think of relationship you are in. Got it? Good. Now, purpose in your heart to be a better spouse, child, parent, etc. Call them. Write them. Tell them today how you feel. Pray for God's wisdom to be a better person.

Finally, read through Romans 12. It is a perfect outline to follow for strong relationships. It starts with the most important relationship - with God, and then continues throughout all other relationships. It's only 21 verses, but some of most powerful words written on the subject of relationship. Have a notepad handy. Write down things that make you stop and think. Jot down the things God brings to your mind to change. Let Him examine you. Let Him search your heart. Let Him be the judge. And remember, now is the time to change; not when they're in the hospital or the funeral home. Flowers and tears offer no peace of mind for unfinished business. Take care of your relationships today. Today, after all is the accepted time.