Thoughts on relationships

They're called relation "ships" because they are always moving, sailing on. So it seems to me, anyway. Relationships change with time. My children, for instance, are now all my friends. We share and learn and laugh together; no more caretaker to helpless one. I'm closer to some friends, and more distant from others, and this will no doubt change as time continues to move on. Marriage; constantly changing and evolving. What is to be done with conflict? With neglect? With pain? They're all ships. I'm having trouble steering some of them...

Today flowers came, unexpectedly, delivered by one of those ships. The turn in this relationship was caused by a tragic death. In a sad way, I benefited by the tragedy, which stole one friend and brought another in. On a friend ship. A relation ship. And the water carries us on.

I looked around today at the people in my house. Laura, so delighted over a record player, playing one record after another with such joy. She took a break from this to play a computer game which involves launching dead cats. There is no person in my life quite like Laura. It's hard to imagine she came from me; God had a dear friend under construction for me all these years. And my Greg, writing music and struggling over his desire to create and perform great songs - but lacking the musicians required to do this. Greg and Laura debating a point in scripture about - RELATIONSHIPS as God defines them. I have so much pride in these children I call mine... And Matt, and Melinda, so funny and so entertaining. Matt took the time to tell me that he has missed me, and intends to come over more often, and NOT just because I made barf dip. Great relationships.

Then Justin arrived, to show off his car with its new engine. It was washed, and shiny, and growled like a proper rotary should.... And I got to go on another exciting ride and wild U-turn... God has done so much in this young man's life and heart in a short time, and I am blessed to have kept that ship in my harbor... That relation ship. When his phone rang and he told the caller that he was at his "mom's" house right now, it warmed my heart. I know there are good things ahead. God is bigger than any roadblock man can create.

The day is done now. I should be in bed. My "cheesy" lights in the party tree are flashing happily, oblivious to the fact that they have been called cheesy. The dog is devouring a rawhide chew as if her life depended upon it. Misty kitty has found the flashing lights to be a hypnotizing entertainment, and she is contentedly asleep in their glow. The house is silent. My beautiful red roses are sending a delicate scent and an unmistakable message of love into the air. I am deeply happy, and secure, and at peace. God is good, and He alone knows the future...

Tomorrow is a new day. I will get good and dirty in the yard, and I will welcome another friend ship into my harbor to help with the work. I am privileged to be able to offer a place of refreshment, in exchange for which I get a yard work partner. I'm rich, and have so many ships.
I am alone tonight, but not lonely. I am stronger than I ever thought I could be. Life is good.