Highs and Lows
The Highs and Lows of Highs and Lows
I am sure none of you can relate to this, but I just need to get this off my chest. Family relationships are a challenge!!
However, that is not where it stops. Family relationships are complicated. Why? Because when you get right down to the core feelings, we love and care for our families very much. They matter to us! What they think about us matters. What they say about us or to us matters sometimes way too much!
Isn’t it it kind of funny how we can fiercely love someone, but really not like them so much?! It often has to do with disappointment. There are certain people, like our parents, that we have this internal craving for their approval, support, and unconditional love. However, our parents aren’t perfect, they have different points of view and often don’t realize how hurtful their words can come across when they disagree with you. We get so caught up in wanting to be accepted and agreed with that if there isn’t agreement and understanding it becomes a personal injury.
We all have shortcomings. Due to our varying relational skills sometimes we can only agree with a person to a certain point and then we can’t go any farther. Then we have to find a way to choose the importance of the relationship over the importance of the topic. Sometimes that may feel impossible to do.
It is surprising to me that I can make myself patiently interact with a stranger, but if it’s family I may not be nearly as good about holding my tongue. It’s harder for me to be objective. This is not something I am proud of. Of all the people to be patient with, it’s my family I want to experience my good side more than anyone else and yet often the opposite is true. Does anyone relate to this?
When we pledge at our weddings to be faithful in good times and bad, that includes grumpy nights, and family squabbles, ingrown toenails, and dental fillings.
I guess when we are with those we know care about us, we relax or let our guard down. Maybe we don’t work as hard to connect, because we are already connected by blood or promise. In some cases it’s got mostly to do with personality differences or even where you land in the family.
The bridge on this song is the kicker in this song, too:
Ultimately, we need God’s strength to help us continue to love all our family members. With God’s strength, a bit of objectivity and a slice of humor, family gatherings can be a bit more enjoyable for everyone! Blessings to you and yours during these up and coming holidays!
Add to the conversation. We’ll be glad you did. And if you’d like to sample “Highs and Lows” on iTunes, click here and scroll down the list.
PS: I guess that’s the wonderful and crazy thing about love, it doesn’t always make logical sense. Actually, does it ever?!
Click here for the “Highs & Lows” video: http://vimeo.com/75366050 Enjoy!
photo credit: bichxa via photopin cc