Back in 2004, I met a gentleman who was interested in getting to know me better. After a few discussions of finding out what I needed to know, I decided to participate. Early in this process, he told me that he is not a good "chit-chat" starter. He could engage in conversation but starting it and keeping it flowing were not his gifts. As time moved on, I found this to be true and it began to be a bother. The long moments of silence on the phone at times drove me batty. I don't know about you but I don't do long moments of silence well at all.
One day, I decided to ask him how he felt about our communication. I mentioned to him my concern about the long moments of silence and he began to apologize. Well, I told him that I appreciated his apology but there was really no need for it. I asked the question to get information and now that we have this information, we can work on this area together. He wasn't up for the challenge so he bailed and guess what - he never bothered to tell me. I thought something terrible happened to him but after careful investigation - he was 100% fine.
I shared this with you to make a few key points about relationships:
* There are no perfect people to have relationships with but if we are up for the challenge, our areas of weakness can become strong.
* Conflict is a friend and an opportunity for growth.
* Every irritation is a gift for the relationship.
* Relationships are the medicine that we need to grow, heal and reclaim our wholeness.
Many of the people that I admire in relationships at time seem incompatible. My chiropractor is very strong, opinionated and in your face while her husband lays in the cut behind the scenes. I remember her husband telling me that he is lucky to be married to a woman like her because he has become and is daily becoming a better man simply by having her in his life for the past 15+ years. "My weak areas have definitely become strong because of her."
Sometimes we need to bail while other times God will send us exactly what we need in order for us to become the best people that we can be. Don't miss out on your blessing. Step up to the plate and face the challenge!
Print this page
