The Power of Relationships.

Friendship is never wasted. The bond and connection that a shared experience brings is transformational. Whenever something becomes transactional, it loses its power. There’s just something impersonal and a disconnect that values the context of the experience. While we make every effort to accomplish things, even going the extra mile, we miss out on the experience gained through others.

Most people see their bills as a subscription to something. We’re all sold on the $9.99 membership. After a while it just becomes routine. We don’t get excited about it and we probably put it on autopay. It may take care of itself, but it doesn’t involve one’s self in the truest sense.

The power of relationships is realized in a very simple understanding that people come first. There is great synergy in networking through relationships.. In fact, the greater project, the more people are needed to accomplish results. People matter but not as minions. Rather, people that are empower to meet the mission through objectives multiply success.

Personal interaction is of great value. 

I have a friend who says that everything happens at the “speed of relationship.” My friend, Josh Hershberger often shared this statement. While it takes more time to build trust in relationships, it is more valuable to build people up than to accomplish things. 

Teams that builds together are worth far more than the thing they build in themselves. Through relationships, we can accomplish with greater worth. It may feel like progress is slow, yet, it the activitiy, people make memories.. 

Relational versus transactional.

What is most important? Is it best to invest in things or people? Is it better to manage things or people? People matter more than things. Even above getting things done are the people that complete the tasks. 

While we live in a transactional world, filled with commerce and materialism, it doesn’t last as long as those things brought about through relationship! 

There is power in relational-based goals. While it may feel more efficient to the “get-er done” mentality, yet, it is shallow and falls away quickly. That which is built on relational trust-based activities will be built stronger. Like three stranded rope, it will hold when life becomes tense and pulls against us. 

What is best, the journey or the destination? 

Have you ever take a long drive on vacation? You plan and attempt to maximize your trip, making the best time, while limiting your stops along the way. You are focused. Can it be done? Perhaps, yet, it is not recommended.

I have made occasional long “day trips” that totaled over 1,200 miles, round trip. It took a lot out of me and driving 9 hours (one way) just to go to a funeral. It is not recommended. When traveling on behalf of Indiana Wesleyan University, those occasional trips were exhausting.  

The journey is best lived with the company of others. The human element is key to life’s experiences. Certainly, the rewards are given when things get done, yet, it is of greater importance to even build memories of shared victory. The journey is rushed and memories are not made, yet, you accomplished the goal. 

Side note. I love the sign that reads, “We love hurting people.” Yet, we can easily miss the true meaning of the message. We rush to finish the goal but misunderstand the purpose of the activity. 

Relationships build memories. 

I remember taking trips with my family. Those trips built many memories. I may not remember what I ate but I can remember sitting with others and the conversations we shared. Think about it. When was the last time you remember transactional activities? Most of our memories are formed and kept because it was not about what we got done but, the laughs, tears, mealtimes, and activities we made with each other.