Tough love

relationships are really hard. two main causes: the natural selfishness of every single person, and this skewed picture that we're going to get everything we need for our soul from that relationship. whether it being from a boyfriend or a girlfriend, a best friend, a sister or brother, mom or dad, aunt or uncle, we fill our lives with relationships and squeeze every single one dry until they're bone dry and dead. we squeeze for love, comfort, attention, accomplishment, anything that makes us feel okay when we lie down at the end of the day. but we never squeeze enough, we never get that last drop.

i'm not saying relationships are bad, because that's just ridiculous. i'm saying that leaning on those relationships is detrimental.

i have the one relationship that truly matters. i have a personal relationship with my Abba Father, Savior, and King. it's the best relationship i've ever ventured upon. but it's hard too. because of my selfish nature and sinful heart. but the thing is, i do get everything i need from this relationship. i get comfort and attention and unconditional love every waking moment because of Jesus' grace. the problem is, because of my selfishness, i don't look for that list in that relationship all the time. most of the time, i look to my relationships here. i look to my family and friends to fill the parts of my heart that are empty. i think it's easier, because i can physically hear their praise, and feel their love, and crave their utmost attention.

but that's where the second hard part of relationships comes in. i'm never satisfied. i'm never satisfied. and it hurts. It hurts every time. but Jesus beckons me back to Him, reminding me that He wants to be my friend and shield for all the hurt. i don't know where i would be if He never beckoned me home. i would be alone, and bitter, and just plain sad from all the disappointment I face.

Relationships are hard. But it's not just hard for you. It's hard for everyone, except our Prince of Peace.