Understandably, every relationship has the potential to be either healthy and successful, or to break down and fall apart. As humans, we all have our opinions, attitudes, beliefs, strong convictions, and mind sets, through which we tend to filter everything. It is only natural for people to see things from different perspectives. After all, think how boring it would be if we were all to always agree on everything!
The challenge, then, is not that we think differently; it is that we tend to judge others when we cannot possibly have all the facts. Sometimes a family member makes a judgment about another, and then says something to someone else based on that judgment, and in the blink of an eye, the potential for relationships to go sour, is at hand. We’ve all seen how somebody says something to one neighbor about another neighbor, and in an instant a reputation is shattered. It is so sad to see these things happen.
I believe the most important thing on this planet is having healthy relationships with others. Positive, thriving and growing relationships are the key to a happy life. Today I feel blessed to be getting along so well with my mom, my two brothers and my sister, my extended family, my friends and my business associates. I realize that it is only because of the power of restoration that I am able to enjoy such healthy relationships. Yes, I have wronged others and they have wronged me, too. However, there must always be a willingness to forgive and let go of the hurts and bad feelings. We are all capable of choosing not to dwell on the negatives, and instead, choosing to take the high road, so to speak. This is what triggers restoration. True, it takes time for the wounds to heal; but it is so worth it. There is no room in our lives for the bitterness that can make us sour and nasty as rotten lemons.
If you are currently in a hurting and struggling relationship, think for a moment of the possibility of restoration. Time is too short; life is too precious. I could not imagine any of us on our death bed, calling for all of our toys to come surround us. I believe we will want to be surrounded by our dear friends and family. Nothing is more important than healthy relationships, and nothing is more beautiful than relationships restored.
