Are you too busy to love others well?
The other day I had a text thread come through with three of my girlfriends.
In attempting to find a date that worked for us to meet for lunch, we texted over 146 times.
Seriously….146 texts!
It actually made me sad to think that our lives were so busy that we could not find a date that worked for us amidst all the texting back and forth.
As a result, it became quite comical, and quite sad, as we realized what was happening.
Most importantly, we all decided that our relationship was too important to not make it a priority.
Something had to give.
We knew we had to revisit our priorities and be more intentional about what matters most in our life.
It is so important for us to CREATE SPACE in our routine instead of just going through the motions of BUSY.
Being busy is actually a CHOICE.
It is our decision to say yes or no to all…the…things. It is up to us to determine what deserves our time.
Learning to schedule our days with intention is a valuable lesson to put into practice every day.
Valuing what is most important to us in our life means making the time to nurture those relationships that we have been called to in this season of our lives.
Relationships need to take priority In Our Lives
Did you know that human beings are biologically programmed to form close bonds?
I recently read that a review of 148 studies found that people with strong social relationships are 50% less likely to die prematurely. That is a pretty hefty percentage.
If this doesn’t encourage us to take time to nuture our relationships, I’m not sure what will.
Good relationships satisfy a basic human need for us to be supported by others.
Consequently, we are happier, healthier, and even live longer when we maintain close relationships in our lives.
A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
- Relationships are where our GREATEST JOY comes from.
- We were CREATED for connection.
- Our health and well being THRIVE in good relationships
Look outside of your circle
I’m realizing more and more that it is not just my immediate family and friends that I need to prioritize.
It is so important for us to also be open to those whose lives we are called to invest in.
I want to challenge you to think about the people in your life right now.
Is there someone that you feel drawn to? Someone who needs encouragement?
Maybe a new mommy, or someone who just relocated to your neighborhood? Maybe a friend whose recently become a care giver of an elderly parent? One of your children’s friends who is needing some guidance?
Determine if you are called to invest in one of these relationships. It could be life changing for both of you.
Moving Forward
As we begin our practice to love others well, let’s do these things together.
- Revisit our priorities
- Create space in our routine for relationships
- Schedule our day with intention
Take some time right now and decide how you plan on living more intentionally in your relationships today so that you can love others well.
I would love to see your comments below.
Live Light,
Lucia
That’s so true.. I had to let go of some cherished relationships because we never made time for each other, it’s heartbreaking every single time…
Hi Kseniya,
Yes, this has been a difficult decision for me as well. The story I have begun to tell myself is “I am so grateful for the season of friendship we had together.” This thought has helped me find peace in the process of embracing and releasing relationships.
Merry Christmas!