For your consideration…
I would venture to say that most of us think that we are good at relationships and we probably are. But most of us fall short sometimes. After all, we are all learning and growing.
Our message today wants us to notice the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. The message came in as “belonging versus owning.” We are blessed when we feel we belong with someone or they belong with us. It is a precious feeling and something to be cherished. It does not mean and is not the same thing as owning. Owning implies possession. Possession implies rights. Rights imply power and control.
Once again, this is where intention comes in. Belonging is free collaboration. It is neither controlling nor enabling. In many ways enabling is as destructive as controlling. It subtly gives the message that we don’t think someone is capable without us. Or it signals others that we readily relinquish our power. Our wants and needs become second or don’t matter at all. Enablers reward controlling behavior.
Our message is not just talking about relationships between partners. It is talking about all relationships i.e.; parent/child, boss/employee, employee/employee, neighbors, friends, siblings, etc. True healthy relationships collaborate. They do not control. They rely on and use one another’s strengths. They build each other up. It helps each other grow.
We have had many messages about the state of the world and people not being able to talk to one another anymore. This is just another example of power and control and unhealthy relationships both with controllers and enablers.
Today we are just being asked to notice and become very clear on what healthy relationships are and are not. And as much as we can, rid ourselves of healthy relationships and rid ourselves of unhealthy ones.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Surround ourselves with healthy relationships.
What made me smile yesterday…
-Catching up with both my girls. my sister, Mary, and Cathy.
-A beautiful day.
-Some cooking and baking done.
-A good book.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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