On Memorial Day my wife and I pulled out and filled our little vinyl swimming pool for the two grandchildren. Here are pictures of our 7 month old grand-daughter, Jadyn, having a great time splashing around in the water. It was so much fun watching her enjoy herself in the simplest ways. Her pleasure brought us pleasure!
We followed up the pool experience with some good food and a refreshing time just hanging out with our family and some of our staff. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, nothing planned, just being together, talking and enjoying one another. Just "relating."
Reflecting on yesterday's time with some of the important people in our lives, reminded me that the essence of relationships is "relating." The word "relate" comes from a mid 16th century Latin word meaning "to bring back."
It is interesting that the experience of "relating," as we think of it today, is all about bringing people back together, after short or long periods of time apart, for the purpose of re-connecting, catching up, and communicating with each other. As simple as it is, it is also powerful and necessary.
In the busyness of life, we all need to take time to "relate." It is one of things we really cannot do without!
Pastor Dale
