I’m sometimes asked how our large and growing family maintains relationships. It is easy to do, when we make it a priority, and it is far easier that the drama that comes when we do not maintain those relationships.
More than just avoiding drama, the efforts always produce wonderful rewards.
Here is a short list of how we do this and some of the rewards:
We meet six mornings a week to say affirmations, read inspirational material, and review the day.
We connect to each other on Facebook and subscribe to status updates via cell phone.
We celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
We spend Sundays playing sports and games while hanging out together.
The Facebook method is especially effective and it often holds special surprises for us. For example, when Peter went from long ponytail to shaved head, he “did the deed” late on a Friday night and posted the picture on Facebook. When I got up early Saturday morning, I first saw his new look there.
Mary often posts pictures of Isaiah, our grandson, on Facebook. Even though I see him every day, those pictures capture him in special moments I wouldn’t otherwise experience.
And sometimes, I’m completely blown away by someone demonstrating a talent I didn’t know they had.
Emmanuel recently posted this poem.
Today a bud tomorrow a blossom,
enjoy the beauty for a season
petals fall down
to cry there is no reason
around the bend yet another blossom
A few days later, Paul wrote a beautiful note about his weekend experience at Bosque del Apache.
Maintaining relationships is a joy with unexpected and beautiful surprises. What can you do today to maintain the relationships in your life?