Intentions

Last night, as the wintry storm blew through Nashville, I had a few hours to reflect on this upcoming year, hopes, dreams, relationships, and the beauty of life. During this time of reflection, I ran across a Facebook post from a friend of a friend. He wrote some advice out to 20-somethings concerning relationships. As a 30-something, I noticed the words that I've often found myself saying to those in their 20's. Here are the writer's thoughts:

1. HAVE THE HARD CONVO'S: Confrontation can be tough, but get over it. It leads to deeper and more meaningful friendships when things are confronted head on. DON'T AVOID HARD CONVERSATIONS. It's a sign of immaturity. This isn't high school anymore; unless you want it to be.

2. BE HONEST: Honesty is powerful. LOVE someone enough to tell them the truth. You'll be so glad you did. You'll be better for it and you might actually help the other person out as well.

3. REAL TALK: Face-to-face conversations are important. DO NOT try to deal with things over *text. It's so awkward and really doesn't work as well as you *think it does.

4. OPEN YOUR MIND AND SEE: Deal with your *stuff and be open to seeing situations from many different sides. There are always 2 sides to the same story. And often, BOTH sides are partially right and BOTH sides are partially wrong. That's why you have to see the whole picture through honest and open conversation.

5. REMEMBER, YOU ARE KIND OF STUPID TOO: Don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh at your mistakes and apologize often. Realize that you've probably been just as much of a douche as you're making the other person out to be 

6. FIGHT FOR FRIENDSHIPS & LIVE WITH NO REGRETS: Don't let relationships fall under the bus over petty stuff. People are the most important *thing you'll ever have. You don't want to look back and think, "Why did I make such a big deal about that? And why didn't I make things right with _____?" 

My heart was encouraged, but it spurred a place in me to write to others. I am a gal who loves to meet other people and to hear their stories. I love the richness that is found in the heart. Jesus is the God of the heart. He valued our hearts so much that he died for us--so that we could live. Maybe this is why relationships mean so much to me. Maybe it's why quality time is the number one way I believe that you can show someone that you care. And maybe that's why I make it a priority to FIGHT for every relationship that is brought across my path. 

Jesus brings people into your life. They are a gift. Their hearts are a gift--even when it doesn't feel like it. Our greatest witness is how we treat their hearts. Now, don't take this the wrong way. I don't believe that you are to be best friends with every person that crosses your path, but I do believe that they are an investment. They are a true investment into your life. It is up to you as to how you'll handle that investment. Will you squander it away. Will you bury it. Will you ignore it or will you value it--tending and developing it?

Trust me. I know this is work. It's a challenge, but it's worth it. But we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us with each heart. He knows each heart and we need his eyes to see as he sees. 

Finally, let me leave you with this encouragement concerning dating, etc:

Guys: If you spend quality time with a gal, let your intentions be made known. Don't leave her wondering. If you just want to be friends, then let her know. And don't linger too long in your time together. Make your intentions known (vocally).

Girls: Let the guy lead. Don't share everything about yourself all at once, but do be open with your heart. Be patient, but honest. Let him know where you stand (vocally). 

The point is--value each heart you come across. Treat it as your own. Aim to treat it as the Lord values and treasures yours.