Sunshine And Rain ☀🌧

The relationships that we have, whether within our families or circle of friends are such wonderfully dynamic experiences.

For good or for bad, they certainly do play a huge role in shaping us into the people we have become... even the people that we are still becoming.

These relationships, especially the ones that really mean something, have no doubt seen their fair share of seasons.  Real friendships have weathered storms and seen ups and downs and all kinds of turbulent weather.

Truth be told, sometimes it's the very same relationships that impact the ever-changing climate of our lives.

If you were to be honest with yourself, could you identify a few friendships that you would be really broken if you had to do without them?  Now, in reflection, have any of those friendships gone through rocky times over the years?

Then how can it be, how can people who have seen probably the worst in each other end up being inseparable?

The thing is, that this thing called life, is really all about relationships and the interconnections we make in our community network.

...and if this thing called life is about relationships, then this MUST be true about this thing called the Christian life.

Y'see, God has created us... all of us, to be his agents and representatives here on Earth.

When Jesus walked among us as a man, He made it extremely clear in His words and actions how critical the interpersonal bonds that he initiated and nurtured were to His overall mission and to the building of the Kingdom of God.

Just as our relationships have the power to influence us, if we know the significance the impact of a life lived for Christ can have on all the lives that bond with it, interact with it and embrace it, then though these relationships may face hiccups and turmoil, we would let nothing dissuade us from pressing forward to ensure that which is of utmost importance, the survival of the gospel message lived through us, triumphs.

Even the bonds that Jesus had with His friends (and the same goes for some of the most senior stalwarts of the Faith and their friends) were really tried and tested... but in the end, with eyes fixed on a higher purpose and enlightened understanding of the importance of the God-given tools of friendship and association, the light of Christ will remain aglow in us and draw others towards that warmth.

We are called then to open up not just our wallets and our homes to others, but also our hearts to those who need to be led by the Light and watered with the Word.

Let us then endure and enjoy all the seasons of relationships, knowing that they are working out the very calling of God on our lives, persevering through joy and pain, through Sunshine And Rain.