Can You Relate?

I must admit, after listening to Paula's lesson, I didn't meditate it anymore. I did apply it, although I still need some work.

The lesson talks about "The Power of Next" (based upon Nehemiah 3), and it concentrates on the value of building relationships on respect, loyalty, and trust. Those we come into contact with become our connections and from impartation, or what we receive from them, we produce output. It's why you have to be careful who you allow into your life and who you allow to become apart of your "Inner Circle." This concept has been discussed widely by several pastors in the last few weeks, particularly Creflo Dollar. We will encounter numerous people throughout our lives; it doesn't mean that all of them are worthy to be called friend. I can appreciate Paula's concept of "covenant connections," and I am blessed to have several of them.

These women serve a profound purpose in my life; they love me with agape, they encourage me, they truly and sincerely want the best that God has for me (without envy, jealousy, or strife), they pray for me, they push and sometimes pull me towards the destiny that He has upon my life. How many people can say they have friends like that, much less one? I know that I am truly blessed. :o) Paula also talked about "complimentary relationships" - those people that God puts into our lives to strengthen us to fulfill our own calling. My "Inner Circle" friends provide that, but there have been several other spiritually, strategically-placed people that I know only God knew when I needed them at that time to get where He wanted me to go.

Additionally, the lesson focused on giving (and receiving) love unconditionally; choosing to love even through the imperfections you wish to be otherwise. Now automatically, my mind went to marriage (because that's where I want to be). :o) But God got me to thinking about them folks at the job - Lord knows I just can't wait to move away from them! whooo! Is that how He treats me when I work His nerve (because I know I d0)? Does He make up His mind about who I am and reject me? (So you know at this point I'm waiting on God to roll on from my pew...) I don't want to hear that, Jesus! You know them people are trifling! But so am I on occassion, and He loves me anyway.

Another area He led me to apply this to was in my new relationship. (shut up C.W., T.J., and K.C.!) I even called him to apologize; it's funny - I've been so consumed with "is he the one?" or "Lord, is this it? Cuz if it aint, just move him out the way - I don't want to deal with it and be distracted from my blessing!" Now some might agree on that attitude, but I realized how "I-centric" it is; God has placed us in each other's lives for a reason. Whether seasonal or permanent, God has created or allowed this "complimentary relationship." But it's not just him, it's how I've always "dated." But how many opportunities have I missed to be a blessing...to share the Word...to give unconditional love? No doubt about it, God removed them for a reason and answered my prayer; not everyone is meant for a connection. But for some reason, God has allowed this to happen and I believe that if we remain obedient to His Will and focus on giving love (not the feeling, but the choice - not just romantic, but in true, Christian friendship), we will both have each other's backs in this. As time goes on, God will let us know the purpose of this, but in the meantime, I just want to focus on Him and allow Him to groom me into the best "covenant connection" I can be. :o)