Make Relationships A Big Rock

SERIES: Love (1 of 4)
Make Relationships A Big Rock

I come here each week to say thank you for what you do on the job, and when I say “I’m praying for you this week”, I mean that, too. I always pray for your safety and for you on the job, but I also pray for your families, relationships and marriages. If your job is going great, but your marriage is falling apart, that’s not OK. Since we think of love, Valentine’s Day, etc. in February, I’d like to share a few thoughts about relationships this month.
   
Many are familiar with an exercise known as ‘Stephen Covey’s Big Rocks’. Imagine a bucket. Put 3 or 4 big rocks in. “Is the bucket full? ” “No” you reply. “Of course not” I say and put some smaller rocks in it to fill in the gaps. “Full now?”, “No”. I put in some sand, then some water. It’s full.
   
So, what’s the point here? It’s to do with the order. What would happen if you’d reversed the order? Put the water in first, then the sand, then the small rocks. There would be no room for the big rocks. These big rocks are the important things in your life. You need to schedule them first, not try to squeeze them in after arranging the small rocks (social commitments, overtime jobs...), the sand (training, new procedures...) or the water (writing reports, keeping up with email...).
   
What are the big rocks in your life? This differs for different people, but they usually include things like family/relationships, time for yourself to unwind and re-energize, places/activities where you make a difference, etc. Basically, they’re not the hundreds of things that keep us busy each day, the big rocks are the 3 or 4 things that will matter at your funeral.
   
Some of my favorite Facebook posts to see are of officers (even married officers) on date nights. I like to see what you’re into, and it says you are investing in your relationships. Relationships that are invested in are healthier and last longer.
   
Valentine’s Day will come and go this month, but I encourage you to be intentional in making love/relationships one of your big rocks for life. This month, I am praying for you as you invest in your relationships, that they are healthy and long-lasting.
   
Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

Links to other posts in this series: Love - Part 2, Part 3, Part 4