My Relationships and MeBy Joshua JohnsenI suppose some would still say I’m a newly wed. It’s been about a year and a half. But even in this short time I’
ve come to find how my relationship with my wife affects the rest of my life. My interactions with others, my self-thoughts, my general sense of well-being. Relationships are important! The closer someone is to me, or the more value I place on that person, the more they’ll affect me, change me, form me (I say this acknowledging that there is an unhealthy side to this as well).
And then I have a relationship with God. Man. Does my relationship with God affect my general sense of well-being? Not all the time. What does that say about the importance or value I place on THAT relationship? Don’t answer that, please! I mean, I know that God is important. I know that it’s through Christ that I have been (and am being) made new. I know God’s always there, here, everywhere. That God is always with me. But, apparently I don’t always put the same amount of time (or place the same value on) investing in my relationship with my Creator as I do with my wife. And I supposedly believe that even my relationship with Gabi is wholly dependent on my relationship with God! I don’t meet with HER once or twice a week at a specified marriage activity. Why do I think that’s where my God time should be? Sunday and small group.
How can I create times during my day to actually listen and respond to God? How can I begin to value time with my Lord before any other relationship in my life? Here’s some things I do sometimes that I’d like to do more often. They help me slow down. Breathe. And notice God in new ways.
- Take a walk and actually stop to smell flowers, look at leafs, or watch squirrels.
- Choose a longer line at checkout. Why am I in hurry, anyway? Maybe I pray for whoever’s being crucified on the cover of tabloids.
- Try a new recipe, or a favorite one I’ve only had at restaurants. I just started making my own flan and its freak’n good! A way to literally taste God’s goodness!
- Crack open a Psalm and just start singing it without trying to sound good. Sometimes I use a tune I know… sometimes I just make it up as I go.
- When I’m alone I try to talk to God like he’s really there.
- Smile at a stranger and wonder why this is so weird and uncommon since God’s image is in that person.
I’m trusting that this is a reality God also wants in my life… to be present ever more in my time, my choices, and in all the other relationships are a part of me.
Just my thoughts…
Peace,
Joshua
Josh and Gabi Johnsen lead a mixed home community that meets on Tuesday nights. For more information about this home community
Click Here.
Our next gathering is November 23rd at 10:30am
