Transparent Tuesday

Today's transparent topic: Priorities
See the look on my son's face? This is how I felt several times last week...like screaming!

What drove me to feeling like this, you ask? Conversations about sports schedules and how the hectic lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with upper-level sports is literally driving families apart.

I'm not sure how to get through this post without climbing upon my soapbox, but I'll try. Let's start with this...do you have your priorities straight? Are the things that are most important to you in life, the things that receive the majority of your attention? It's not just sports that get in the way...it can be anything.

This past weekend my family and I went hiking and enjoyed some quality time without computers, phones, commitments, etc. No distractions, just nature and family. It was very refreshing!

While climbing up this 500 ft. piece of granite (think of how many countertops that is!), I began to wonder why we don't do stuff like this more often? Sadly, we allow ourselves to get so busy with other 'stuff' that we rarely make it a priority to slow down and just be.

 Anyone else think these rocks look like a giant turtle?

Isn't this what matters?

Shouldn't we be slowing down enough to cherish that fact that our 8 y.o. dresses like his father and wants to hold his hand?

If we don't carve out the time, it'll never be there. Think of all the missed opportunities and missed conversations all because we allow ourselves to be filled with the insignificant things that suck up our precious time.

So, the purpose of transparent tuesdays is to encourage people to be real with one another. Let's work on being real this week and feeling 100% okay with turning down a few requests so that we can focus on our real priorities, whatever they may be. Take the time to slow down, re-evaluate and make sure your time is being spent on the people and things you love most.

Another purpose of this post is for me to share the gift of prayer with you. I'd be honored to talk to God about you today. If you're struggling with something or your priorities have gotten out of whack, let's pray about it. Leave me a comment or send me an email: dfrieling1@gmail.com. Prayer is powerful, friends!

Transparent Tuesday

Gee, I start a series and the 2nd post falls on a holiday. What to do, what to do?! I guess you'll get a two-for-one special today, friends. I can't just ignore the fact that it's Valentine's Day, and I love all things heart, so here's a pretty picture to get you in the mood.

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What better way to say love than to say it in over 50 languages from all over the world? That's exactly what creates this cool heart from The Love Shop on etsy. I'll tell ya what I love...the stark contrast of that bright red against the white background. You can't help but notice the art when it's displayed in such a way. Pretty, pretty!

Okay, now it's time to dive into the deep stuff...

First of all, thank you all for such a supportive and nice response to last week's first 'Transparent Tuesday.' You guys are the best and I love getting to know each and every one of you who reaches out, on a more personal level.

So, friends, today's transparency has to do with relationships. Are you struggling with a relationship in your life right now? I've had one relationship in-particular that I've struggled with all of my life...my brother.

Here's a picture of him with my parents at his wedding this past weekend.

He's two-and-a-half years older than me and we've never had the relationship that I've longed for. In recent years I had given up hope, as all we could seem to do is fight with one another. Honestly, there's nothing I can attribute as to the reason we have such struggles. I think that's why it has been so frustrating for me. If there were a 'reason' then I could handle it better, but not knowing why he seemed to dislike me so much would just gnaw at me. I became very defensive whenever he was around because I was tired of getting my heart hurt. I was tired of wanting a relationship with someone who didn't want one with me.

I began praying about our relationship and asking God to "fix it." It was during this time that things seemed to get worse. We'd be around each other at family functions and he appeared to be trying his hardest not to acknowledge me. He'd politely answer any question I'd ask with a one word answer and then the conversation would die. Extremely strained and awkward! What's up, God, aren't you hearing me? Of course He is, but it's all about His timing, not mine.

My brother has a heart of gold and he is a great father, uncle and friend. I could see that in his other relationships and honestly, I was very jealous. He is the only person I've ever wanted to be friends with whom didn't want to be friends with me.

Well, friends, I don't have a huge resolution to share with you today, but I can tell you that the Lord's work was very evident during our time together this past weekend. God granted me peace to accept the situations I cannot change. I dropped my defenses and for the first time, I feel like I left with a glimmer of hope. We had friendly interactions and I actually left town wishing we had more time to spend together which is a huge contrast to the feelings I typically experience!

I share this with you in hopes of encouraging others to become more transparent. I know I'm not the only one who has a strained relationship that causes strife. If we're all a little more open about our struggles, then we can all help each other a little more!

My prayers today are prayers of praise and for continued healing of our relationship. What about you? Is there something or someone you'd like lifted up? I'd be honored to walk this path with you. Leave a comment with your needs or email me at dfrieling1@gmail.com.

A little bit of housekeeping: Several people left comments last week and I couldn't reach you because your blogger profile is set up as "no-reply." Click here to read a post that describes how to change this feature and start getting responses to your comments.

Happy Valentine's Day! Now go eat some chocolate!