Nov. 28, 2008 - Strained Relationships
I'm feeling *blue* today. Perhaps I ate too much yesterday? 
(Thanksgiving) Probably, but I don't think that's what's causing me to feel this way. Is it just me or are relationships hard?
There are some strained relationships in my life right now and I would love nothing more for Christmas than for God to repair those relationships. If you're reading this, will you pray for me today? Although I cannot control the feelings and/or actions of others, I can work on controlling my own. But I need to know what the Lord wants me to *do*, if anything. I always feel as though I have to *do* something to fix things (and other people?). Hmmm... Could that be contributing to the problem?
I am by nature an emotional person (it's inherited 
) and I have an incredible desire to please people. But of course everyone is not pleased with me all the time. It's even a ridiculous idea, now that I think about it, that anyone could possibly please all people at all times. So why does it bother me so? I'll tell you why! If I give 100% of myself and it is still not enough for some people, it upsets me. It's like saying that MY BEST is just NOT GOOD ENOUGH. How much more can I give than my all? But it is one thing if they are not pleased with me; it is quite another to always let it be known that they are not pleased. After a while, I figure it's best to spend as little time around them as possible. Then comes time for family gatherings and I don't know what to *do*. Is it best to attend with everyone miserable? Is it best to decline? *Sigh*
Is it just me or are relationships hard?
Comments
Nov. 30, 2008 - I'm Praying and I Understand
Posted by Mureiko
I can really relate. I want to be discreet, but just suffice to say that one of my extended family members by marriage has made some very bad choices. She is now wanting to inflict those choices on the rest of us during our holiday gatherings. Of course, she is lost and needs the Lord most of all, but my dear mother-in-law is so greatly distressed (as are we all) that I find it difficult to want to minister. We just lost my husband's father after Christmas last year and so we are all so sensitive anyway. To come to the point, please pray for us as we pray for you, sister.
Robin
Dec. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 2boysmom
Relationships are hard. Everytime I visit my dad and stepmom, I leave mad and hurt because they don't care enough to visit me. If I were acting out what I really feel - I wouldn't go back. But there is something inside of me that tells me to do the right thing no matter what. So I go back about 1-2 times a year and I always leave mad or tempted to tell them how hurtful their absense is. I think about all the people who don't talk to relatives for years and I ask myself if I want to be one of those. I can't imagine being that angry. If you're a people pleaser, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Just be yourself and let the chips fall where they may (stupid saying , but you get it). We will always have conflicts as long as we're dealing with other humans.
You sound like a caring person. Not everyone has that quality. Bless you!
Dec. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi, this is Bia (biaswonderyears.blogspot.com).
I can relate to you, completely.
I am also a people pleaser by nature, and it bothers me when I KNOW someone is not happy with me.
I keep praying that God will reveal Himself in me, that I will look past my emotions and show people His love and not mine.
We have a very painful separation happening in my family right now, and emotions are flying high.
Yes, relationships are hard, but our Father is merciful, and loving and holds his arms open to us 24/7. I love my Heavenly Father!
Bless you!
Jan. 17, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Haflingerhorses
I just seen that I had a new friend on my 'friend list'. Thank you so much! I came over to seem my new friend, and I seen it's been a while since you posted. I also seen that you asked, "Is Anyone Listening?"
Yes, I am. But, not in time for your November 28th post. I hope you are feeling better. I, too, was feeling a bit blue through the Thanksgiving holiday time, and there was at least one other friend of mine (blogger) that was also struggling.
I love the picture of you and your husband.
Your friend,
Antoinette
