The story...
I use to have a difficult time maintaining friendships. They took too much effort and I inevitably neglected the friendship - it'd sort of drift away. I assumed that these drifting and changing relationships were natural and sort of like the ebbs and flow of life. I may've neglected them when they ceased to provide me what I wanted or the other person wasn't who I wanted them to be. Maybe they disagreed with my opinions or had dissimilar interests. We were different. Was I looking for a friend or a pet?
Why didn't I tend to accept people as unique individuals and enjoy the differences? Did I really need to have them agree with me in order for them and me to be okay together? Were my behaviors learned from my family or did I develop them over time as a sort of personal protection? I don't know why I behaved that way I did but I do know that I am enjoying deeper relationships today - relationships that may be characterized as mutually respectful, honest, growing, and walking together towards...
The only church in town will be a "rich" field for growing fruitful relationships. You'll find people to walk alongside as you work out purposeful lives together - fruit bearing lives - more meaningful and loving relationships.
Just for today...
"I will not expect too much; this will shield me from being annoyed at little things that don't go just the way I wanted them to." One Day at a Time (p. 244)
"I have often tried to change other people to suit my own desires. I knew what I needed, and if those needs weren't met, the problem was with the other person. I was looking for somebody who would always be there but wouldn't impose on me very much. Looking back, It's almost as if I were looking for a pet rather than a human being." Courage to Change (p. 244)
"Perhaps you should try believing that I believe." Hope for Today (p. 244)
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