Cultivating Relationships

This week I had a great time as I finished reading “A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey”.  I love short stories and poems and that is what this book is filled with separated into 9 different topics.  The one that stuck out the most to me was #4 – What Companions do you want with you on your Journey?

I’ve had a general philosophy that has served me well when it comes to friends over the last 30 years or so and that is that people are placed in our path at certain points in our lives to help in ways that no one else could in that moment, but it doesn’t mean those same people will be who you need at the next point in your life.

While I still stand by that philosophy, I’ve also found myself lately growing more desirous of deeper relationships.  I feel blessed to have my wife and my kids and I am working very hard to make sure that I cultivate those relationships, because those are going to be with me for eternity.  Outside of my family though, I want some relationships that are meaningful and long lasting as well.  Through my study this week I have found that what I really need to work on is my humility.  I need to find those people that have skills opposite mine that we can both help each other out and then I need to actually put some effort into it.  Invite them over, talk to them and listen to what they have to say.

Some may laugh at this and say “duh” but for someone as introverted as I am, these are challenging steps that will require faith and prayer on my part.