As the school year nears to an end, we are busy trying to complete curricula and tie up loose ends...striving after that sense of accomplishment that drives us. But one thought keeps rolling through my mind: 'relationship not rules- that's what really matters.'
As my son approaches adolescence I am reminded that I need to focus on our relationship mostly. I want him to know that I will love him no matter what and that he can come to me with anything. It's not that I will shelf the rules, but sometimes in the effort to 'train him up in the way he should go' I can get a little 'rule' heavy. I can imagine how that feels. Rather, I know how that feels, I was young once. I want him to know that I 'have his back' rather than I'm 'on his back'.
'Relationship not rules' affects all aspects of my life. My children, my husband, my family etc. Primarily though, I think about my father in heaven. I want my time with Him to be motivated by sheer desire and delight in His presence rather than my sense of obligation and my 'checking the list' personality. Often times, it feels like that. I've had my devotions, I've said my prayers, now onto the next thing. But when I focus on my relationship with Him, my whole outlook changes. I find strength and comfort in His words to me and He reassures me that although he hates the sin, He loves the sinner.
Accepting God's always and forever love for me is transforming, and my prayer is that as He completes the work He has started in me, my relationships will bring Him glory.
Great post, Carlie. Like you, I too want to emphasize relationships over rules. I would love to hear more about how you're coming along.
ReplyDeleteHi Naija,
DeleteThanks for stopping by. I am finding that as I abide more and more in the presence of my Father in Heaven, my focus is improving. I am grateful for His coming alongside me and teaching me what really matters. I'll be sure to pray for you as we journey together.