More Than…

I am part of a wonderful community of women who meet regularly to laugh, cry, talk, comfort, talk about Jesus, and usually share communion (we have a lot of wine and pizza). Our discussion often includes problem solving and work situations (everyone is employed except me – I’m a “ran-that-race”).

One of these friends has introduced a catch-all phrase that is so helpful: “they have to want [that] more than I want it for them.”

I love this! It is not an abandonment of the person but it is a realization that we each have to walk out our own path. As a mom and Nana, this has been a really crucial and freeing realization. I want the best for my kids – usually what I think is best but that’s another blog. But when they refuse it, when they reject it, I have options most of which fall in the category of “not relationship friendly”: nagging, manipulation, rescuing, shaming and its cousin guilting, withholding, smothering (not literally).

It is imperative to all my relationships that I continue to love but also to allow choices and consequences. This is extremely difficult when I foresee a train wreck coming.

Heavenly Father, help me to leave the ones I love with You.