Relationships: The True Test of Faith

As soon as someone walks out of your life without actually leaving, you realize the impact and importance of relationships.

I continously say I value family. Family is the word I use for relationships. It is one of my core values. A foundational life principle.

The core of my foundation is rocked as my heart weighs heavy.

In all that I do, I seek to positively impact others and develop relationships. I attempt to build relationships through unconditional love and support. Yes, sometimes I do falter; but, I try. One foot in front of the other. When I fall, I get back up again. [Stop singing the song lyrics.]

I do not focus on relationships with only my family or my 'friends.' I place equal importance to all the relationships in my life. I am very fortunate that in my life, I am surrounded with hundreds of people on a daily baisis. Many of those people I see daily are not mere acquaintances. I invest time and energy to develop lasting, meaningful relationships.

Then, one day, it became obvious... others do not value relationships equally as much. The importance of relationships was thrown in my face. One day I was told I played an important role in your life and you value our relationship. The next day, silence. Value, well... what value?! My heart weights heavy as I realize how unimportant my role really was. Or, with others... how unimportant my role really IS.

As I question myself, I sink in my seat and the smile fades. I ask myself if I'm really meant to pursue my passion. I ask myself if I should focus my time and energy on something other than the relationships. Was the importance of my value thrown in my face for a reason? Is the relationship -- trust and faith in others, support of others, etc -- something I am not effective at. And, then the mind wanders to the question, if I'm not effective at it, should I stop wasting everyone's time? The doubt continues to fill my every thought.

Then, I pray about it. Each time I pray about it, I realize, again, it's about the relationships. It's about family. I'm praying because I have a relationship. The most important relationship. With this relationship, I realize my foundation is solid. I may face trying times. I may stumble. But, still, with a focus on the most important relationship that is Father of my family, I know my foundation will always hold strong against the greatest test.