Life lessons learned
OPINION: I have been thinking quite a bit recently about something I could call Life Lessons Learned.
Simply put, it is never a “one size fits all” kind of thing. Success can mean different things to different people.
And then of course there are so many different situations to factor in. Life can bring some nasties; tidal waves can come crashing in from time to time! When that’s happening, success might just be, “Well, I’m still here, I’m still breathing, we didn’t drown!”
Many sunsets ago, I remember coming to the end of one particular year thinking, “Hey, I’m still alive!”
When it comes to life, and living here on this planet with other humans, all of us have a complex network of relationships to deal with. For starters, we all have close family, but also a wider circle of family and rellies. Then we have close friends and also a much wider network of friends and acquaintances.
Added to that, we all have neighbours, plus the more professional or work-related connections with people we rub shoulders with regularly.
I think there just may be something innate in us as humans that gets attracted to the ‘big splash’ moments. However, they usually promise much but too often deliver little or nothing at all.
When it comes to our relationships, in looking for the big splash, we tend to give no attention to the little things. Yet many times, relational decline begins with a neglect of the little things.
I’ll use two simple examples to clearly illustrate how important the little things are to relational success. The first is with the fuel example. You won’t be going anywhere in the ute if there is no fuel in your tank. We all know that. Doing the little things well is like ‘fuel’ to keep your important relationships in good health. You may be able to run on empty for a short distance, but soon enough that will take effect!
Yep, I have had insufficient funds at times too. However, because I maintained a running balance of what I had in my account, I never ever went to the ‘hole in the wall’ looking for some sort of miracle.
If you have no OD facility on your account, then the funds must first be in there for you to make a successful withdrawal. That’s what we used to call common sense!
It’s just the same with our relationships. We may be able to cover-up for insufficient funds for a season, but that cannot last the distance. Yep, doing the little things well deposits funds into our relationships account.
Yes, the answer so many times lies with the little things. What little things, you may be contemplating. Well, things like thoughtfulness and some kindness. Little things like some basic manners that we extend to others but too often neglect with those in our closest circle. And appreciation, and some thanks from time to time, go a long way too.
Hey, I’m no expert, but I do have something of an understanding on what works and what doesn’t! And I am very thankful that I enjoy good healthy relationships within all the networks I mentioned earlier. And none moreso than with the Good Shepherd.
Take care and God Bless.
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