Relationships. Lesson 40 of 40

Relationships can be messy. Being vulnerable with others can be hard. Many insulate themselves from forming deep meaningful relationships with others to avoid feeling pain. What a lonely road to take. The risk involved with relationships is worth it, a thousand times over. I ditched the idea of playing it safe.
I chose community
I chose vulnerability
I chose to persist despite the messiness that comes along with relationships
I chose to encourage and to receive encouragement from others
I chose to correct those I love and receive the same medicine when given to me
I chose to cry, forgive, and try again
And I am so glad I did

My husband had a surprise party for my 40th birthday. When the blindfold came off, I saw a room filled with people who had contributed to my life during different seasons and in different ways.

Some had seen my tears, celebrated my success, been my dancing buddies, experienced my stubbornness and pride, listen to me go on about the big dreams inside of me, listen to my deepest confessions, entertained my silliness and laughed at my corny jokes, picked me up when I was low, witness my mistakes, made me laugh until my side hurt, hugged me when I needed it, supported me when I was scared to move forward, and prayed for me when I did not have the strength to pray for myself.

I have learned that the risk involved with forming deep meaningful relationships was well worth it. I am grateful! How about you? Do you avoid forming deep meaningful relationships or have you let your guard down? Leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.