How to Grow Closer Relationships by Investment Not Distance
Sometimes, the closer you are, the closer you are. Other times when you have to be closer, then the closer can cause distance to begin to grow between you. You have to be invested in building and growing the relationships around you if you are going to keep the relationships strong – no matter what the distance between you.
Daily Inspiration and Encouragement
May 21, 2020
Daily Dash of Twisted Encouragement
Building Sustained Relationships
We were already close. We purposefully made choices that forced engagement in the home. We have one television. The computers are in the same space. The floor plan is open.
It’s always been important to be connected to each other.
Nothing much changed when we were ordered to shelter in place. We still had the same space only now we were all in the space all the time – always together.
There is close, and then there is crowded. As the days passed by, the space eased closer and closer to crowded.
It couldn’t get much worse.
For the record, never say that it can’t get worse . . . don’t even think it. It can get worse, or at least it can get more crowded.
An EF1 tornado hit us on Easter. I told people it was ONLY an EF1, but after watching a special on the Weather Channel, I realized that any tornado you go through could be the last tornado you go through.
It took us two hours to get to safety, but we made it out. It is definitely not something I want to try again. Not the tornado, and not a family hike in the dark without adequate footwear or lighting.
The next day, we settled into our temporary, temporary housing. We checked into the Hampton Inn Guntersville until we could get our temporary housing resolved. It took close to a whole new level.
Each week, the close proximity became even closer. By week six, we were begging to reach our limits. We had to make purposeful choices to go from being too close to being invested in growing close relationships.
Even though we were right on top of each other for all those weeks, we only became connected because we were willing to invest in talking, it joking and laughing, in doing things together – as a whole group and as smaller groups.
You have to be willing to be invested if you are going to grow closer relationships.
Grow Closer Relationships
It is up to you to make choices to grow closer relationships, no matter what the proximity. A house can be crowded or close. The investment makes the difference.
- See beyond the little things. For some reason, the little annoyances will add up, and when they do, they will cause big problems. If the little things begin to cause an issue, it may be time to take a walk, or a long bath, or run some errands alone. Find a way to see beyond the little uniquenesses around you (and maybe even embrace them).
- Turn off the noise. Constant electronics may make it more tolerable for you to get along, but it will not help with growing up the relationships. Turn off the television. Turn off the phones. Take time to be with each other and not just to be in close quarters.
- Speak positive things. Share encouragement and thankfulness with the people around you. Inspiration grows up hope, which makes room for you to grow closer relationships. Thank the kids for helping out – even in the little things (and even when they haven’t done EVERYTHING). Thank your husband for picking up dinner. When you make thankfulness and encouragement a habit, it becomes your default position, even when you are closer to each other than you had planned.
- Get into a pattern. You need to find your way even when you are often getting in each other’s way. Set up a time to sleep and a time to wake; a place to work and a place to study; a way to eat and a way to share. Get everyone involved, and the way you work together will help you grow closer relationships.
You can just be close in space, or you can be invested in growing closer relationships. Investing in others will take some effort – especially the closer the space becomes – but it’s worth the effort from you to grow the closer relationships with the people around you.
How do you grow closer relationships?
Building Sustained Relationships
My husband told me he didn’t like me very much and I began contemplating how I could seek my revenge for his words. In the end, I found that with a few simple changes, I could get even and enjoy the process.
Sign up for the course Building the Perfect Spouse to walk through the process and find your own way to get even and enjoy the process!
Challenge for Intentional Actions
Grow Closer Relationships
See beyond the little things.
Turn off the noise.
Speak positive things.
Get into a pattern.
You can just be close in space, or you can be invested in growing closer relationships. Investing in others will take some effort – especially the closer the space becomes – but it’s worth the effort from you to grow the closer relationships with the people around you.
Quote of the Day
“The way you choose to treat others will directly affect your journey.” – Kathryn Lang
You have to be invested in others if you are going to be invested in growing up your success.
What Others Say
Scripture Focus
Today’s Readings:
Deuteronomy 4 – 6
Ezra 1 – 4
Amos 6 – 9
Proverbs 21
Scripture Focus:
“The thoughts of the diligent lend only to plenty.” from Proverbs 21:5
Ponder Point:
Be focused and purposeful in what you are doing and you will find your way to success.
Share Moment:
What thoughts are leading your way?
Study Question
Dig in deeper to the Word to grow a closer relationship with the Word.
Your choices affect everyone around you.
What choices are you making for the betterment of all?
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