The Long Haul
OPENING PRAYER:
God, help me to see your plan for my life. Grant me a better understanding of all that you desire for me.
READ:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.“ Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Family relationships can be difficult. Whether it is the family you are born into or the family that you choose, having and maintaining relationships with those closest to us can come with a lot of stress and baggage. These relationships take a lot of care and attention to keep them healthy and flourishing.
This relationship work is not done in just a couple of interactions. It is work that can span months and even years. It is easy to grow tired and weary of putting in the work that is needed for a healthy relationship. Day to day life can distract us and bog us down. Instead of being able to focus on what is needed to help our relationships thrive, we feel like we can barely function ourselves.
I feel this way particularly in my relationships at home. After a long day at work all I want to do is come home, sit on the couch and read a book. I want to be alone. My family has other ideas about how our evenings should be spent. My husband wants to eat a well-prepared meal and my children want to share all about their day and play together. I am running on empty by the time I get home and often do not feel like I have anything left to give my family.
If you have ever felt this way, I urge you not to give up. Relationships are marathons, they are not a sprint. Some days will be more successful than others. Finding small activities that help you feel more complete can help to alleviate some of this burn-out that you may experience with your relationships. Psalm 61:2 reads “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (KJV) Making sure you are letting God fill you up is a key step in being able to function well in relationships. Do not forget that it is crucial to take time for your relationship with the Lord. He will sustain you when you are feeling low. Do not grow weary. If you persist, God will reap a harvest in your relationships more wonderful than you could ever imagine.
APPLY:
If you are feeling run down in your relationships this week, take some time to pray and read through scripture. Nurture your relationship with God. Give this relationship the care and attention it deserves. This will be the well from which you can pour out into others. Consider reaching out to a family member or a friend and offering a word of encouragement. Nurturing relationships does not have to be overwhelming. A kind text, a note, or a simple hug can go a long way in building the relationships that you have.
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, you have designed us to be in relationship with each other. Give me energy and endurance as I work to maintain the relationships you have blessed me with.