In the summer of 2016, I find myself starting a new season in life. This new season results in a new town, a new church, and a new job. This new season comes with the normal emotions of fears and anticipation of what is ahead. As I begin this season I am reminded of a question asked to Jesus. In a way, his answer is some great advice to remember when starting a new chapter of your life.
In Mark 12: 28-34 Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commands–that if we embrace them, no matter the season, they will help us enter, engage and experience the life we were created for.
For many followers of Jesus we know this teaching, most likely we have heard it many times. Sometimes we know what we should do but fail to take the steps in that direction. In any season, but especial as one begins a new season, getting back to core basics is needed. Sometimes in our life journey, we need to hit the pause button and remember the basics and then take steps to realign life where it has gotten off. For myself, as I start a new season, this is something I am keeping in front of me.
Jesus deeply values relationships. He values our relationship with him and he values our relationships with others. This is the simple truth of how nothing is more important than relationships.
A driving force for God’s people is placing value on relationships.
Recently I was talking with a young person in university and we were talking about the need to volunteer in order to help them gain work and life experience. I reminded her that the volunteer work will help her build relationship skills for any direction she finds herself in down the road.
We were made for relationships. A life without relationship is empty. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus speak about his dream for our life. That dream leads to us living a flourishing life, at its core, has us placing a high value on relationships.
As I enter a new season, or perhaps you find yourself entering a new season, remember that placing a high value on relationship will help you embrace, enter and experience the life you were created for.
As I begin this new season this is one value I am continuing to keep in front of me. It does not always mean life is easy, but the relationships we nurture bring great benefits to our life.