I was so intentional (that's what Jeff calls busy) yesterday that I did not get to my scheduled workout time. Needless to say, I will choose my Valentine chocolate wisely today. Do I go with the dark that is said to be healthier, the chocolate and caramel (my fav) or the sour candy (my double fav)? Is it worth the calories to not eat my favorite? This is how I think. Calories in versus calories out. I guess I value my return on investment.
Speaking of ROI, It's a great day to think about relationships and how much you've invested. I like to think of relationships as a checking account. They are about depositing knowing one day, a withdrawal is going to be made. Now, I am not giving just so I can receive. The nature of living life together is being there for a friend and allowing a friend to be there for you. A withdrawal can be help with a burden, a favor or even accountability. I mean, awhile back, I sat with a friend and told her I thought she was selling herself short on the greatness inside of her. She needed to kick it up a notch and take a step towards her goals. That conversation, though I had her best interest in mind was a withdrawal and I didn't have the conversation without first knowing there was plenty in the account.
A positive balance in relationships comes from depostits such as showing appreciation, love, respect, meeting a need or sending a Valentine. My mom told me once, "Melinda, to have a friend, you've got to be a friend." It take effort to continually deposit into others.
I tend to get caught up in tasks rather than stopping to deposit into someone. I don't like that about myself. Each day, I pray I can get better.
The emotional checking accounts of our spouses, children, friends, family and co-workers need us. Take a moment today to show them you care! I'll do it, too.
2 comments:
Dear Pastor Melinda,
What a wonderful message to live by! To be conciously aware if we are depositing into someone's life, or withdrawing even when our intetions are good, is a nugget I am going to try implimenting in my own life. Thank you for that! I also love your willingness to open up and share things from your heart. It helps me relate and I think that is great! As in 2 Cor 9:8 states, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
With that said, I'd like to share something as well. There is a song I think describes me to a T. I heard it today coming home from work. It's called "Clumsey" by Chris Rice. I laugh, or at least crack a smile when I hear that song because it's so nice to know that I'm not alone! Which leads me to my concluding thoughts, Deuteronomy 7:8. "because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. How Wonderful is that !!!
Be Blessed Pastor -
We love ya!
As I was reading your message, it occurred to me that even well-intended, daily things can drain a relationship. My children have actually asked me for more time together. (I am a stay-at-home-mom, does this speak volumes??). Morning - breakfast, dress, pack lunches, pray on the way... It's all good stuff, but the checklist can get longer and can become mundane. Maybe I need to buy lunch one day and spend that 10 minutes just snuggling with them, telling them how much they mean.
Or how about that friend that I haven't called in ages because I am so busy with life, church, ministry, work, thinking "she knows I love her," but really, she is needing that extra little bit of encouragement.
"When we water others, we will also be watered" is something I often say to my children - perhaps it's time I listen to my own advice.
Oh! And BTW - definitly go with the chocolate and caramel!! ;)
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