Do I need that relationship?
The mom sitting next to me at a soccer game
or the mom whose child sits next to mine at school
or maybe the mom sitting in the desk next to mine at work
or the mom who stands too close and talks too loud
or the mom whose 70 year old hands break the water in the pool,
swimming day after day,
Do I need that relationship?
Did they need those relationships?
Did Naomi really need Ruth’s relationship?
Did Mary really need Elizabeth’s relationship?
What was Rebekah’s relationship like with Sarah?
They didn’t need those relationships
but they were blessed by what they found
in the reaching for them
Do I?
Need unasked-for relationships to be
friendships?
Does God need that relationship?
with me?
Or does He just love me
seek me out
for relationship
for friendship
Do I need those relationships?
Is it about my need?
Or is it about my call to love
everyone
like I love myself
like He loves me
Friendship isn’t born out of need
it is born out of reaching
sometimes into uncomfortable places
to make a connection
because He did first
No,
Sometimes I don’t need those relationships
Sometimes I might not want those relationships
But He calls us to relationship, to friendship
with those that cross our path
crossing paths that sit on our family tree
or sit beside us on the bleachers
proximity is an opportunity
to love others as well
as we love ourselves
Do I need that relationship?
No – but He calls us to it
and we are blessed for the reaching
the seeking of friendship
Blue Cotton Memory 
Amen, so true.
i think about those questions, a lot. and i think i’ve come to the conclusion that we need relationship, but God gives us lots of leeway and choice. so… each friendship is a beautiful, cooperative effort involving at least me, my friend and the Lord…
totally enjoyed what you’ve shared today!
Amen!
Wow… those questions… there’s a lot to think about there… Thank you!
Oh this. is. good!! It really kind of ties in to the story I tell today at the blog. Always love your honesty here, friend!
Beautifully written. What we want vs. what He knows we need. Great insight!
I have found that even when I don’t need or want a relationship with someone, He who lives in me does!! And then I can only ask Him to love that petson through me; especially the difficult ones!
Bkessings from Barbie’s.
Mia
So beautifully written. Asking some hard questions. Thank you.
Love the question. I so remember the story of how Mary ran to talk to Elizabeth and they rejoiced with each other in their ‘stories’. YES we need each other I think that is why Jesus had a few ‘friends’ of his own.
At some point, I believe we need to question every relationship. Beautifully written.
Peace and good to you.
Wow, this was wonderful! And it certainly makes me think. I’m shy by nature and uncomfortable meeting new people, but your words struck a chord. Maybe He wants me to reach out? Beautiful writing.
Beautifully written! I believe that one of the best gifts God has given us is the privilege to give, and to take advantage of the energy that flows through our life and relationships by sharing. When we give the gift of friendship or when we share with someone who is lonely or unhappy we can feel the presence of God flow through us with love and compassion! 🙂
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
This:
Friendship isn’t born out of need
it is born out of reaching
sometimes into uncomfortable places
to make a connection
because He did first
Perfectly stated…it would be easier to stay in my little world of family and simple friendships…but He did reach out to us first…and we must do the same.
Lovely and encouraging thoughts, thank you!
Yes, relationship is difficult, but we need it. Stopping by from Deidra’s place.
Sometimes maybe we do need that particular relationship, but just don’t realize it. It might not be one that we want, but exactly what we need for growing in that moment of our lives.
I enjoyed your post. Have a great week!
So profound and thought-provoking, my friend. I haven’t really thought of it that way, and have sometimes taken friendships for granted or chosen not to reach out because it was “uncomfortable.” This challenges me in ways that I need to adjust. Thanks for nudging me toward more Christlikeness!
You’ve given me a fresh perspective on relationships. I particular loved this line, “Friendship isn’t born out of need
it is born out of reaching
sometimes into uncomfortable places
to make a connection
because He did first”
[…] Do I Need that Relationship at Blue Cotton Memory {gave me a fresh perspective about relationships—they are more than just about our own needs} […]
[…] Do I need that Relationship? […]