The Art of Relationships

There is an art to nurturing relationships and we all do it differently.  Art comes in many different forms and many different styles.  What is appealing to one person may not work for another. The same can be said for how we nurture and maintain relationships.  

Some times in can be a struggle to foster a friendship. Circumstances change, life gets in the way or distance can make things difficult.  It often takes time and planning  to maintain  a quality connection with another.  

My Mom was the best at creating and maintaining connections. She had the largest circle of friends of anyone I ever new.  She celebrated her 60th high school reunion, in our home, with most of her 12 fellow graduates!  She had long time friends that she met when her kids were young.  She met two of her best friends while working at the local college food services. She nurtured relationships from the church, some of which, were like second family.  She always had an open door policy at our home.  No invitation was required to visit!  I wanted to be just like her!

Mom never traveled nor did she spend money (except for food), when she got together with friends.  What she did do-was revel in being in the company of her friends.  They laughed together, shared meals and supported each other in uncertain times.  They were always there for each other.

I think it is fair to say that I have inherited many of my Mom's traits and the art of nurturing relationships is my favorite.  I am not the organizer or planner in my circle of friends.  I've been blessed to have 2 friends in my life who are the planners. One has passed on and one continues to shower those around her with joy and love.  I am the worker bee who tries to help when it comes to more elaborate plans. I try to carry on the tradition of an open door policy! I may struggle with fun ideas and event planning, but I do make the phone calls to get out and walk, or to share a meal. I've even come up with a few travel ideas, one of which was really good and the other-not so good!

I struggle in the "idea department" and I often feel like my friend is always doing the outreach. She comes up with great ideas and makes fun plans.  She knows how to make those closest to her feel very special, right down to the smallest detail. Because of her,  I've marched in 4th of July parades in a number of costumes.  Together we have laughed, cried, raised our children and acted silly.  

I have another friend who has an amazing flair for events.  She knows how to make each gathering special and unique.   Everything she shares with others comes straight from her heart.  She also has a talent for hand writing special notes to her friends. She even makes the card herself which makes it even more special!

Over the years I've learned that we all have our strengths. They just look different, like art in a museum.  That is what makes each one of us special in our own way.  Recognize your talent and share it with those around you.  

Do you think about the relationships in your life?  How are you nurturing them and sharing Spirit? Small gestures or large; unique activities or mundane, it doesn't matter. What is important is the love you share with family and friends

Toasting Friendship!

Is there a person in your life that you think of but haven't seen in a long time?  What are you waiting for?  Make a phone call, send an email or reach out on social media.  Better yet, send a card with a note or write a letter.  Make a date to get together, talk on the phone, face time or skype!  Time passes quickly and you do not want to miss your chance to reconnect.

 I  think of Mom often and I carry her love in my heart.  I am grateful for lessons learned through observation.  She was a great teacher in the Art of Relationships!