“The quickest way to burn out relationships is to forget to water them. Always water your relationships.” ~LMB
All relationships require time and attention to flourish. Unfortunately, though, life can get in the way: Hard times hit, something pressing happens at work, people get busy, and before you realize it, you forget to take what little time you have to nurture the most important connections in your life.
Over time, undernourished relationships grow weak. If too much time goes by without nurturing, these relationships wither away. What used to be a spark, turns into ash and those who once were your refuge soon become your source of pain. This is as true for marriage as it is for parenting and friendships. Any and all relationships begin to break down when they aren’t being watered.
Remember to water the most important relationships in your life. Pay attention, be cherishing, make time and most importantly, be loving. The closest relationships in your life should yield the greatest joy and connection for you and those in them with you. Don’t take yours for granted. Don’t assume they will always be there. And don’t save the best of you for everyone except those closest to you.
Challenge: Be sure you are paying time and attention to the most important relationships in your life. Although consistently watering these relationships only takes brief moments, the impact of these moments can last a lifetime.