Learning Relational Priority

Apr 28, 2014 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

 

Recently we were able to pull off a last minute trip for Jerolyn to go see our youngest as she was winding down her second year at college but still had some length of time before coming back home due to traveling and playing softball for her college.

It was one of those times that being away from family was a bit more difficult. The trip was an opportunity to assist her some on finishing classes and moving dorms, but more than that was the moral support, and Gabby getting to spend some time with her mom. We love technology with texting, calling, social media, and now video chats. These are all wonderful tools to bring us closer together or experience a little more of one another’s lives, but there is still nothing like face-to-face, being there in person, giving a hug and having a conversation encounter.   

We all have those times, don’t we? We all have those moments, or much longer, when we miss someone or some people. When away at college and being separated by so many miles, students just want some of the creature comforts of home or simply to be with family. When older, it is nice to just go back to what was home or wherever family now lives for even a short time to reconnect. Some of us had said as grown children, even parents ourselves, we just miss being with our own parents and connecting with them as parent/child.

For others of us, we have those friends from so long ago or relatively recent who may need to connect and really could use something more than a text or social media message.

If we really believe relationships are a priority, then what can and will we do about these? What space in our lives will we create to make these a priority? We have all been there and will be again, but for a moment let’s also think of those who are like us that are missing the connection with us. What can we do to re-connect? If we have had someone else initiate this for us, we know what it is like and what incredible value that connection has added to our lives. We all need others to do this for us, but today, let’s look at being the one to do this for another.

Here are some thoughts, reminders, and questions to hopefully help us make relationships a priority.

Things to remember:

• It does take effort.
• It might mean you need to be the one to initiate the connection.
• It is worth the time and dollars.
• It really is all about relationships rather than regrets.
• It does not have to be last minute. Plan it now to make it happen later.
• It does have to become a priority.

Questions to consider:

• Who needs a call or visit?
• Why can’t you be the one to make the plans to make a reunion happen…even if just two friends driving to meet for a short time?
• What sacrifice are you willing to make to invest in a relationship…family or friendship?
• What needs to happen to make this a reality? What do you need to plan, budget or figure out?
• What about more of a spontaneous effort? What would this look like?
• What, or better yet, who is your priority?

~ Jim