When asked, “What do you do” or “Tell me a little about yourself,” does your response reflect that you are in the relationship business? We are, you know. As brothers and sisters in Christ, whether we’re writers, speakers, or both, we are primarily in the relationship business.
Our connection with Jesus sets us up to be relational people. Wouldn’t you describe our Lord and Savior as all about relationships?
- He came that you and I would be reconciled with our Heavenly Father—relationship!
- He spent time with his inner three, James, John, and Peter so that they would know him intimately—relationship!
- He sat down with His inner twelve, broke bread, drank wine—relationship!
- He sacrificed his life for his brothers and sisters—relationship!
For thirty-some-odd years, Jesus walked out a life focused on nurturing relationships with His Father, His disciples, and with us. His time on earth was limited, and He most assuredly didn’t waste a moment.
How about you? How focused are you on nurturing your relationships?
I’m in a season where I have more days behind me than in front of me. My hubby, Sam, and I enjoy hiking and cooking together, and time spent with our children and grandchildren ranks high on our priority list. Therefore, I carefully choose how I spend the days ahead.
Who or what would take up your first three slots if you wrote out your relational priorities? Someone in your personal life? Something to do with your professional life? Perhaps God would take a slot. Something to consider, right?
Consider your personal life.
Time is a commodity we have limited control over. Everyone has twenty-four hours in a day, no more, no less. How we prioritize those hours can maximize our relational connections. And let’s agree from the get-go that everyone is busy. It’s said, and we need not make it a reason to step away from our relationship business.
Who in your family could use a word of encouragement today?
Have you lost connection with an aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent?
Do you only spend time with your children, parents, or friends when it is convenient?
How could you nurture these relationships?
Send a card? Make a phone call? Set up a family reunion?
Consider your professional life.
As writers and speakers, we engage in business conversations continuously. Yet, we don’t always connect, I mean really connect, in those conversations. Am I right?
“Ugh! Linda. I have more than enough on my plate “professionally” to keep me floating up to my eyebrows in ink, paper, edits, deadlines, screen time, prep-time, and gearing up for my next app buy, software upgrade, social media ad, and book launch until Jesus returns – deep breath – and you want me to consider adding to the mix some professional relationships? What are you thinking?”
Every moment we breathe is an opportunity to extend a helpful hand, share a word of encouragement, and, when possible, a time to break bread together. It’s what Jesus did, and it’s what we are commissioned to do as well.
How could you nurture your professional relationships?
Send a card or email? Set up meet-n-greet? Celebrate the personal wins of others?
Consider the life God has in place for you.
When was the last time you s-l-o-w-e-d down? I admit I’m a get-it-done gal, so slowing down is not in my nature. But, if I don’t slow myself down, God will lend a helping hand to get my attention in ways I’d rather not experience. Can you relate?
We read in Proverbs 16:9 that we may come up with best-laid plans, but the Lord establishes our steps. And, no matter what we think is best for us, He already knows. He sees around every corner. He knows our hearts. He hears our thoughts and knows the convictions of our minds. That said, doesn’t it make sense that all our relationships will go much better if we seek the life Father has for us instead of trying to make a life for ourselves? Indeed!
How do you seek God’s best life?
This week, turn off your notification devices for 30 minutes to an hour daily. And ask Father for His will, His way, and His timing. He will be faithful to answer.
Question: What relationship is God calling you to nurture? I’d love to read your responses in the comment section.
About Linda Goldfarb
Linda Goldfarb is an award-winning author, international speaker, actress, award-winning podcaster, audiobook narrator, and board-certified Christian life coach. Whether sipping frothed coffee with friends, hiking with Sam, visiting her kiddos and grandies, or speaking truth with gentle boldness, Linda strives to be transparent and authentic.