it starts with relationships.

A friend of mine recently said the statement, “it starts with relationships.” And it got me thinking how right she is. Relationships are so important and necessary in life. But let’s define the word “it” together.

Maybe you’re a business owner, and you’re “it” could be acquiring new business. In order to obtain new business, you first have to have relationships with others. Maybe you run a nonprofit like me and to bring new people into the story and the mission, “it” begins with relationships. In order for a child to trust their teacher, “it” first begins with a relationship.

I remember when my husband was the youth pastor at our church and I would always have girls that I would meet with weekly and disciple. But before I could speak the hard truth into their life, I first had to have very good relationships with them. They had to know that I loved them and cared for them, and that any type of correction, advice, or just words that weren’t easy to hear, came from a place of love for them.

With Christmas right around the corner, our biggest “it” that we should be focusing on is Jesus. As Christians, He is truly the reason why we celebrate the season. And Jesus wants to have a relationship with YOU. You might already know Him, or know about Him, or even know this Truth. But ask yourself, “what does my relationship with Jesus look like?” Are you talking to Him throughout your day? Are you consulting with Him? Is He in charge of your life? Do you not only talk with Him, but also pause long enough to listen for His voice? It starts with a relationship, and speaking and listening are a huge part of it. God has created all of us to be in relationships with others. We are not meant to do life alone and we need one another each and every day.