Relationships

             Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

 

            Another issue that deserves our consideration as we prepare for a new year is the question of our associations, which strikes close to home. I have worked for, been associated with, and had friends who did me no good. I knew it at the time, but I thought I could do good in their lives, but instead, it seems to me that I was dragged down.

            This isn’t a suggestion that we become snooty. It’s not about only associating with the best and the brightest or with those who can get you where you want to go. It’s not about thinking you’re too good for this person or that. It’s not about announcing on Facebook that you’re going to go through your friends list and delete anyone who hasn’t interacted with you enough. (What’s enough?) It is about forming relationships that don’t drag you – or them – down.

            And perhaps even more, it’s about being conscious of your relationships. Who are the people who build you up and are there when you need help? Who are the people that you enjoy helping? Who encourages you? Who challenges you? Who can you encourage or challenge? Is there someone who needs to hear what they mean to you? Is there someone who needs your forgiveness? Or someone from whom you should seek forgiveness. Did you seek your relationships or simply find yourself in them? Did someone adopt you as a project?

            Granting that the first relationship you should work on is with God, what’s the second? The third? What are specific steps you can take to improve them?