Relationships

It seems like I always get into a little more of a contemplative mood this time of the year than I do the rest of the year.  I’m not a ball of fire any other time, but this time of the year…between Christmas and the New Year…seems to cause me to do some pondering and thinking about many things; but mostly about relationships.

Yes, I think about the new year and the possibilities therein.  Yes, I think about things I can do better in the coming year, or something I’d like to get done maybe for the first time.  And yes, I certainly think about the time I’ve had here on the earth, and the time that I have left if I live a normal lifespan.  But mostly, I think about those people in my life who are related to me in some way…by blood, marriage, friendship, business relationship, or otherwise.

Some relationships have been dissolved by the passing of someone.  Sometimes one or more of the people in my life move out of the area, or jobs or work assignments are changed.  And sometimes, but not often, the relationship just isn’t there anymore for whatever the reason may be.

But most remain intact from year to year, and most all of them grow in some good way.  And I enjoy these relationships as well.  I like to observe younger ones succeed in their jobs.  I like to watch their families grow.  I watch them struggle from time to time, work through issues in their lives, and get back up after they fall down.  I like to watch older friends as they cope with the effects of aging and the certainty of not-so-many years left on the earth.

I can relate to most of them, as I am either experiencing much the same myself or have already been through the ups and downs that others are going through.  Oh, there are some things I’ve not experienced.  I’ve not had a medical diagnosis that was life-threatening.  I’ve not suffered a huge trauma injury.  I’ve not been through a divorce or had any domestic issues great enough to warrant family counseling.

But I can commiserate.  I can listen.  I can observe.  I can rely on similar experience and provide counsel if needed.  I can pray.  And the others who are in my life can do the same for me.  It’s a sort of symbiotic relationship.  I need those who are in my life.  And in a very real sense, they need me and others who are in their lives.

I don’t know if all of this thinking and pondering this time of the year is really beneficial to anyone, least of all me.  But I’d like to think that, at least on my end, the bonds are strengthened by my recall of relationships and friendships and what they mean to me.  And in the time I have left here, I will not only continue to cherish these bonds, but will work to watch them continue to grow and mature, even as I create new ones as the opportunity presents itself.

I thank God for the opportunity to relate to people.  This world would be a very lonely and cold place without them in my life.  I am blessed beyond measure!