Cherished Relationships

Ok, I think most of you know I was sick, really sick for a few weeks. (Still am working on diagnosis, treatment and recovery) But I want to talk about something a little different. 

While being down for 3 or so weeks, I feel like I missed a lot. Life keeps on moving whether you are laying in bed or participating. Mandy moved to Portland, Alex finished school, Trip kept growing like crazy etc....

I was sitting at church, after missing a few mass time, thinking about this. Our lives are about relationships. Relationships with our husbands, wives, children, family and friends. If we value those relationships then we spend time in them. Not so much out of a sense of obligation or duty but out of a sense of desire. 

I desire a relationship with Steve. I want to spend time with him having fun and enjoying life. If I didn't this wouldn't be a very good relationship. But it doesn't mean that sometimes I don't need the guilt of obligation to remind me of this. 

When I begrudgingly, as I sometimes do, put down the iPad, put away the cell phone, or turn off the tv to focus on a relationship, I and the relationship are better for it. The sense of guilt or obligation is sometimes the kick in the butt I need to remind me of what's important. 

Sometimes when something is right in front of you and is good, you take it for granted. You forget that it can slip away so easily while you are distracted with the noise of the world. The iPads, cell phones,  and media can easily pull our attention away from those right in front of us. 

My relationship with God(Jesus) is the same way. I missed mass, I was sick. No guilt or obligation there, God knows. Believe me I turned to Him and spoke with Him and yes questioned Him, when I was down and out. But I missed that quiet, meditative, just spending time with Him. Sitting in mass with others there to worship, honor, praise and be feed is a wonderful moment in my life. It is a relationship I value. It is a relationship I will maintain. 

Now to figure out how to get to Portland to get some quality time with Mandy. To enjoy some quality time with Chris before he goes off on his next adventure. To spend time with Alex before moving into the dorm. To watch Danny and Casie grow in love and family. To see Trip bloom right before my eyes. These are the important things. These are the cherished.

Much love to all!!!! Happy Memorial Day!!!!!