thoughts on the news of the day: relationships

hmmm…..

            Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver are separating after 25 years of marriage.  They have said that they are in transition and are not sure what is next. 

            Why are relationships so hard?  Why do people have to say goodbye?  What happens to the family and friends who are affected by the goodbyes?

            I have been enjoying the beautiful scenery at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in West Little Rock, AR for the past few days.  A group of Pastors have joined together with a professor from Austin Seminary to learn more about relationships and the conclusion that I come to at the end of the day is that relationships just are – hard that is.  But in the end, they are infinitely worth it. 

            People can be annoying, that is true. It is hard to make commitments and even harder today when it is so darn easy to be independent.  That is why it is important to develop a set of tools.  Compassion belongs in the tool kit, and communication.  Selfishness does not nor does meanness not to mention cruelty.  It takes a sense of humor to live in relationship as well as good old fashioned perseverance. 

            But even with a good set of tools, sometimes it just doesn’t work out.  Sometimes all that is left is to say goodbye.    And that usually takes courage. 

            Most of all, today I know that I am grateful for the relationships that I have.  I am thankful for folks that love me even at my most unlovable.  And I know that for today, because of family and friends,  life is good and all is well.

            hmmm…..