RELATIONSHIPS CAN MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU
Having a wonderful and good relationship is a blessing. It improves your life from all aspects. But, it can also be one of the greatest drains if the relationship is not working. The relationships we have in our lives really do make or break us. I know every relationship is unique, but I do know also what good relationship and bad relationships have in common. One of my favorite writers, John C. Maxwell wrote in his wonderful book, “Almost all our sorrows can be traced to relationships with the wrong people and our joys to the relationships with the right people.” I think that is absolutely true. Now think for about your life and relationships for a moment, isn’t that true? A right relationship builds your character, challenge your perspective and improve your personality for the better. It is based on sharing, respect, love and trust. When you put yourself in a wrong relationship you are unhappy, develop negative (strange) character (behavior), moving away from your goal, dream, and vision etc. There is no mutual enjoyment, respect, trust or anything like that. The more you hanging out with those kinds of “friends” cause you to lose track and lose your way. Remember: the people you hanging out with change who you are. That’s why I said at the beginning the relationships we have in our lives really do make or break us. The company you keep is important. That is why the Bible says in 1 Cor. 15:33 says, "Bad association spoils useful habits". The influence that is in any relationships has a clear impact on who you are who you are going to be. This doesn’t mean you stay away from anybody or any relationship. The point is don’t get into a relationship for a sake of having a relationship. Don’t settled for almost anyone who seems attracted to you in one-way or another. Do your own honest assessment. Is this a kind of relationship you really want? Why? Know the impact and attraction behind association. Author William Allen Ward said, “A true friend knows your weakness but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” That is what right or positive relationship must do. Your success in life determined by the right communication and healthy relationship you have. We will meet many people in during our lifetime but only we have a true relationship with a handful of them. In any case, make sure which way the relationship you start takes you or you take it. Because either you are going up or going down. Life is not the perfect fairytale, it is real so, make sure your relationships are not obstacles.
Eyob B Kassa
January 17, 2011