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What are You Waiting For?

What are You Waiting For?

Last updated on: January 7, 2019 at 8:00 am by Ann White

What are You Waiting For? 2019-01-04T16:24:38-05:00 Ann White

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Is there a relationship you feel compelled to restore? Is there someone God continues to bring to the forefront of your thoughts?

God never intended for us to walk through life alone. Relationships, as challenging as they can be at times, are important. They are often the vessel God uses to get us, and others, to the places, both physically and emotionally, He wants us to go.

Roberto Nickson | www.unsplash.com

Relationships do require time and effort. And all too often, we dismiss our need to invest in ones that are challenging. As a result, we miss out on some of the most rewarding moments as God regularly heals hearts, restores joy, and changes lives through our relationships.

Time to Reconnect

Several years back, I was invited to attend an event in the same city where several of my family members live. Because I hadn’t talked to them in years, I was honestly hesitant to even let them know I would be in town. We had lost touch and I was ashamed that I hadn’t reached out and made them a priority in my life. But God was encouraging me to reach out right then, and I could no longer ignore His voice.

God made it clear that reconnecting with my brother, my sister, and their families should be my number one priority. So, I pushed past my hesitation and called the only number I knew. I was met with silence at first. But, I knew God wanted me to keep trying, so I did, and eventually, we connected.

I was reminded of God’s words in Ephesians —

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

Ephesians 4:2,3

Finally, the day arrived when we were reunited. We had arranged to meet at a local restaurant near their hometown. To my surprise, fourteen out of the eighteen family members had cleared their schedules to meet me for dinner! We had a wonderful time catching up. I met children and grandchildren I’d never even known about, got lots of hugs, and ended our time together by promising to stay in touch – which we have done.

God regards relationships as highly valuable — worth having, and worth restoring. Did you know that much of the New Testament is devoted to teaching us how to get along with one another?

“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

2 Corinthians 13:11

How about you?

Is there someone God continues to bring to the forefront of your thoughts? If so, reach out today and make the connection. Humble yourself if you’ve got something to apologize for and offer forgiveness if there’s something to forgive. Make it your goal to begin, nurture, and restore the relationships God is encouraging you to work on.