Eventuality of Relationships? (11/15/06)

Are relationships destined to wane? Will time tear nearly everyone of them apart? Why must people grow apart? Must they? Is it only through extreme dedication that relationships can weather the tests of a lifetime of changes? From moving locations, to introducing new people (i.e. marriage, work relationships, new friends. children…) A marriage only stays the course of a lifetime if divorce is not an option. When it’s not an option then the couple has no other choice than to make it work, and hopefully make it work well.
I attended a wedding recently and the pastor said the following interesting words, “a common piece of advice given to newlyweds is to never keep score when it comes to doing things for one another. But I say keep score, and always make sure you’re losing. Because giving is wining in a marriage.” I found that an interesting way to phrase it. I have found that consistent love and giving only produce positive fruits. I would hope that when the relationship is strained and all I can think of to do is to give more, it would heal wounds and strengthen bonds proving my commitment in the relationship and my love for them. And I do love them.
I think that every relationship is destined to change as is every person. The person who does not change is not healthy, is not growing and is not becoming better. This is true as well of a relationship. The hope is that these relationships also grow and strengthen as they change. I believe it will.