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We hope it informs, encourages, and inspires you to live a life on fire. To learn more about this blog and Ignite What are your relationships built on?
Jeff and I are a part of a group of people who enjoy playing a trivia game called NTN Buzztime. It is a game where you try to outsmart and outscore others all across the country. A real brain tester of a game and being that we are so competitive we love to play. The group of people that we play with go by the names Kawika, ASU, Diane, Fishy, Poohoo and Marcie and of course Jeff and I are Sock I (that’s a fish in case you were wondering). We probably spend on average between 3-5 hours a week and have for years with these folks - talking and joking and playing and laughing (and of course making fun of the dumber people in this world!!)
I got to thinking after this Sunday’s service about what constitutes our relationship with them and how deep of a relationship we have. They are great people, we have shared meals together, have had them in our home and are planning a trip to see the USF Bulls together. But something is different and until this weekend and the service on the Ring of Fire I had not given it too much thought. As I was interviewed with Jim and Alice I realized that this is another group of people I am involved with but will never have the same type of relationship with them as I do with the people in my small group. NTN is at the center of my relationship with my friends who play trivia, Christ is at the center of my relationship with my small group.
Who/what are you building your relationships on?
Who is at the center of the ring in your marriage or being a parent?
What kind of circle of friends do you want to be a part of?
What are you willing to do to be a part of a ring of fire?
~ Christi Mahar
August 28th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Two are better than one.
I had a similar thought and conversation with my friend, Lori, today. She and I have been friends for over 18 years. For the last 5 years she and her family have lived in Illinios. But we have stayed close and still rely on one another.
Just like Christi and her NTN friends and her small group friends, my relationship with Lori is different than the one I have at school with my colleagues. I see them everyday and only get to see Lori 3 or 4 times a year, but the closeness I have with Lori is at a completely different level than I have with my teaching partners. I believe it is the “ring of fire” that Lori and I share and sit around that makes the difference.
Today when Lori and I had our small group across the country, we shared the heartache of the loss of her mother. The deepness of our relationship is a result of our commitment to God and to one another. That commitment is what makes this partnership a lasting one for us and our families.
We work to tend the fire, and provide fuel for one another as friends and partners in this journey with God. Relationships and friendships like this are gifts from God to keep our fire white hot.
Ask God to lead you to that next step partnership that will sustain you and your partner. This is definitely a give and take proposition. This partnership requires that you be able to support and encourage, as well be supported and encouraged. You must listen and be listened to; understand and be understood; serve and be served; celebrate and be celebrated.
Two are better than one. Three shall not be overtaken. Prov. 27:17