Weathering Relationship Storms

In one of my devotions today I read the following two lines. 
Jesus says that if we really love God, we will really love each other. We are never more like our Father than when we choose to weather relationship storms with kindness and love.

I was a runaway. I ran from relationships instead of running into them. I didn't care to row the boat or ride the bicycle built for two, but instead throw the oars into the water or jump off the bicycle. It was much easier that way. But today, I have a different approach. I desire not to throw in the towel, throw my hands up to give up, but instead keep pushing through the mud to get out of the mud puddle. The rowing is difficult, but worth it. 
I was reminded of those famous words my mother use told me one day long ago; "marriage is work." I thought to myself in sarcasm,  "yay, right!" But what I have learned is "yes, she is right." I have felt like I've been rowing the boat up stream while the river flows down stream. I thought I was pleasing God in my efforts, only to find out that this might not be true. Until reading this certain devotion, I wasn't weathering the storms with kindness and love. Nope, I showed my attitude and was going to get what I wanted to get out of the argument or relationship. 

I am very thankful that our God is a loving God, tenderhearted, all knowing, and loves us even when we don't play nicely with others. 

I have found that weathering storms in our relationships with kindness and love, makes for those relationships to be stronger and lasting a lifetime. 

~Be encouraged, when you find that right person to row the boat with the ride feels so much smoother.