Relationships – our building blocks to a better future.

How would you describe relationships? Some seem like hard work. Others seem to last a lifetime. We usually talk about relationships with people. Other times might talk about our relationship with our planet. The planet needs input from us in order to either survive or to be destroyed. But usually people.

We may have many casual friends. The important ones are the longest lasting. These are the important relationships in our lives.

My first important relationships were with my parents. They were the ones who loved me unconditionally. The ones who put the framework down on which to build my life. My foundation love, if that makes sense. The ones who laid down the foundation of my hopes and ambitions, and the standards by which I should rule my life. As I grew up I felt restricted by all these values and moved away from what I had been taught. It no longer made sense. But that set of family values, the interaction between us of what it meant to be human has set the foundations of who I am today. It began as a relationship of love and trust.It graduated into the tug of war between generations, but I am grateful for the building blocks which have helped me build my life.

The next important relationships was with my husband. Together we set the framework of our relationships with each other. Again, this has been an unconditional love based on our commitment to each other. At times it has been testing. Life events have been testing, but I believe that love has strengthened over the years. I thank him for his commitment and he returns the sentiment.

There have been children and grandchildren now all grown up. They have their own lives to lead. The relationship of love still stands. I guess we have been part of the structure which has helped them to evolve and to be themselves. Relationships are strong enough to survive “letting go”.

The final relationship which has played an important part in my life has been my faith. Adolescence became fraught, but the God who nurtured me has been present throughout my life. Relationships are not easy. Nor are they plain sailing. They all need work. But given time and understanding they are the building blocks of the people we are to become.

Life without relationships to work on would be worthless