2 Things that Make any Bond Stronger
I just watched some of the movie Toy Story again.
I hadn’t seen this movie in years. But, my church shows a collection of movies in July to draw messages out of everyday things, just like Jesus did throughout his life.
There were 2 key things that I recognized that can make any bond stronger. Pastor Julie Mullins gave the message for the service and highlighted things from various scenes in the movie centering around the relationship that Buzz and Woody develop.
Christ Fellowship, the church I am part of in West Palm Beach, FL, celebrates others very very well. It’s so important. Here’s what Pastor Julie taught:
1. “The more you celebrate others, the stronger your friendship and bond will become.”
This is something that my sister and I have come to do really well with each other.
Growing up, we often relied on each other in ways we didn’t rely on anyone else, it was just something that we did.
But, I’ve always sought to celebrate her first. She just took the ACT a week ago and I know that she’ll get a better score than I ever did. Yet, to really celebrate her, I should not discount her accomplishment by talking about myself and the greater preparation that she had than me, it is simply not important.
What is important is that I take principles from Carol Dweck’s book, “Mindset” and celebrate her process as much as the result. I know my sister is growing because she is putting in the work also, so I want to highlight that within her.
Because with God and hard work, we can do anything.
The second key thing that I took away from the message was when Julie said the following:
2. “When you know who you really are, you can find the strength to fight for what really matters.”
What really matters is going to be different for everyone, but, in terms of a relationship, the other person really matters. The best bonds have people that fight for each other, always.
Even when not in agreement, it is so important to fight for the other person and to exemplify your commitment to them — shown by seeking to understand before being understood.
When I’m tired late at night and my sister might be upset with something and wants to talk to me, I’ll fight for her so I will find the strength to stay awake and listen, always.
It’s the little things that make a relationship strong.
I know who I am and I know who I am to her, she knows she’s a priority to me and I seek to exemplify that with my actions.
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” — John Wooden
And while, yes, a relationship takes both people each giving to the other person, a great relationship, one with trust and faith in the other person, includes giving without expectation. We need to be able to give without expecting something in return, only then will our bonds truly be made unbreakable.
And we all bring different things, the best thing that we can always do for others is to be authentic and honest about who we are.
“You will never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making. If you try to tell the truth, you will nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it… give up yourself, and you will find your real self.” — Timothy Keller