Bec's Blog

May 2025 Blog

We are in the season of celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. No matter where you land in what type of relationship you have with them, everyone has come from parents. We all have, or have had, them. So we’ve all had at least one relationship.

 We begin life in relationship with those to whom we’re given birth. And who care for us. Others are added to this list as we go along. Siblings. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Friends. Teachers. Co-Workers. Neighbors. Eventually Roommates. Spouses. Children. (Cats, Dogs?) You can probably think of additional ones with whom we’re continually in relationship. While relationships often occur naturally and organically, to sustain and enrich these connections we share with others, takes work.

Recently on the news there was a story of a flight attendant who invites passengers with whom he travels to write in his journal. He’s been doing this for several years and has discovered amazing stories and associations accordingly. He says, “Connection is the most important thing for humans.” It is. In fact, multiple studies continue to verify that the most important thing for people who are aging is socialization. Spending time with other people is crucial. But it’s not always easy. So what can we do to enhance the relationships we’re in?

 First of all, we must realize relationships take work. Like a beautiful and fruitful garden, they don’t just happen without a little help. Connections are made and seeds are planted. The growth of the marriage or family or friend bond takes the careful observation, watering and yes, sometimes also weeding, of a carefully tended collaboration.

 If a gardener neglects the field of tender plants, and doesn’t even show up, they will wither up and die. So it is with the people and associations in our lives. If we don’t invest time into them, those relationships will suffer accordingly.

 In my own life, my husband and I are both finally retired. After decades as an aviation family, we spent many days and weeks adding up to years, apart. While it fostered a healthy independence, it also led to loneliness and a strained marriage at times.

 Now, we’re spending more time together than ever before. And we’re loving it. We have everyday conversations about everyday things, and it’s simply satisfying. No matter where you are in life, I encourage you to make the time to spend the time with those you love. Other things can wait. With our friends the same is true. Again, this season is rich with extended family and friendships going deeper and flourishing. Because of more time and attention.

 I recently preached (check out our CCCC FB pg) on the importance of waiting, and learning to be still. The greatest threat to peace is busyness and hurry sickness.

Hurry kills love. This affects our relationships too. If we’re too busy to sit and listen, or simply spend time with others, it will eventually snuff out the light of that love.

In the popular mini-series The Chosen, Jesus says to a distracted Martha,“I don’t want you to be distracted from being present with Me.”

The same is true of course for us with God. And others. Amy Mecham writes in the “Trusting God with Every Breath” devotional: “So what is the point of life? To generously love others through the power of God.

How can God use us or His purposes so we can be content? To give hope to others? We live in a broken world. But God’s redeeming love surpasses all else. His never-ending mercy and undeserved grace create security and safety. When people have no hope, they don’t feel safe. When people don’t have love, they inhabit fear instead.

And they’re not content.

 If we can minister God’s love to others, we will be content. Ask God to make you His vessel through which His love can pour out into your relationships. Be willing to do the work. Because the one thing we can take to Heaven with us is a friend.