Stress and Relationships

I would like to talk about Stress today. It seems that too many of us are out there stressing about things that are unimportant.

People out there are stressing about what car they drive or how big their house is compared to their friends or neighbors. They concern themselves about how much money they want or don't have or what new Things they can or cannot purchase. These are things that are causing people stress that does not need to be. We need to learn to take a step back occasionally and see what we have accomplished since we were kids. We need to learn to appreciate what we have and not be so concerned about what we want.

Materialism is going to be the death of us if we do not get a handle on it. I understand wanting nice things and having the bigger house and the nicer cars. I have been in pursuit of these and other things all my life, but the one thing I never forgot about is where I came from and therefore I have always been able to keep things in perspective. Material items are great and they are a way of motivating oneself to try and achieve a greater success in their pursuit. But, if in that pursuit one forgets about the more important things in their life, it can be very easy to lose everything.

If you have a loving wife, good kids, a roof over your head and food in you belly, and a faith that there is something greater than yourself, what more does one really need? I ask this to try and get you to take a look at your own life. Have you forgotten what is truly important in your pursuits? When was the last time you told your wife that you loved her, and did it because you meant it, not because you were leaving or going to bed or because you wanted something from her? When was the last time you just grabbed the kids and took them to see a movie or to play at the playground or did something you know they liked just because? When was the last time you called a good friend just to say hello, not because you needed their help or because you needed to discuss a problem you were having? I know these things sound trivial, but think about it, how would you feel it this happened to you? I bet it would put a smile on your face and a good feeling in your gut! These are the things we should be pursuing!

My wife and I just got back together after being separated for a couple of months due to transfers. When we were out, she made the comment that it felt like we were never apart. Think about that for a moment! How many times does it feel like you are in the same room with someone yet they feel like they are on the other side of the planet? To have the closeness that can be shared like what I mentioned above is truly a blessing. I have a friend like that also, we cannot see each other in years and yet when we do get together, it is like we saw each other yesterday. These are the type of relationships we should all strive to have. I feel truly blessed to have people like these in my life. Do you have people like these in your life? If so, have you told them how much you value their relationship with you? I bet if you are a guy, probably not! Guys for the most part do not put these thoughts into words. It is just the way we are made! Women on the other hand probably have make statements like these at some time. But either way, just think how much it will mean to that someone when you do say it, even if it does feel Korney.

In wrapping up I am just trying to say that put all the unnecessary stress that you are putting on yourself in the background for just a little while and put the necessary work into what is really important. If you do this, guess what, you will find that it is not work at all! Remember, when everything falls apart in your life, it is the people who care about you and you care about who are there for you. Make sure you are there for them!!

Now, go and play with you kids, or kiss the wife. Talk to you soon. Earl