Short Haul or Long Term

/

I have heard it said that there are only two things that last in this world: the Word of God and relationships. Everything else will disappear! Houses, cars, careers, accolades, church buildings, “likes”, followers, etc. All will be gone one day.

 Now, I don’t want to get into a debate if this is 100% true or biblically spot on but I do ask you to at least pencil it in. A mentor and friend of mine, Bob Shank is in the midst of a fight for his life against the wicked disease of leukemia. (Side note: another mentor and friend whom I met the same time I met Bob, Jim West, is currently battling cancer at MD Anderson in Houston. Prayers for both men would be appreciated.) Why I highlight Bob is because of the outpouring of love that is happening since the diagnosis of leukemia.

Both blood and platelet donors are coming in daily at his hospital, City of Hope. People are being tested as potential bone marrow donors. (Praise the Lord that one of his grandsons is a match!) Thousands are visiting his CaringBridge site and comments are coming in from around the nation.

Bob has faithfully, consistently, and deeply invested in the lives of men and women through teaching the Word of God in such a way that transformation happens. The content that he created in The Master’s Program has saved lives, marriages, careers and callings. People matter to Bob and because of his investing in their lives, these people do not hesitate to raise their hands and want to be a part.

Recently I read a quote by Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care, that really resonated with me.

My advice is to focus on the importance of forging a long-term relationship, whether with colleagues, partners, or customers. It is often easy to get caught up in short-term decisions.

I am blessed to have numerous long-term relationships:

  • Daily Wordle group text with people that I have known for almost 30 years

  • Dinner this Friday with friends that I have known for 45 years

  • Going to visit friends in Edisto Beach next month that I have known for 17 years

  • Annual post-Christmas gathering with folks that I have known for over 20 years

What about you? How are your relationships going? Are you investing for the long haul or just for the moment? You can’t make old friends quickly but you can start today and before you know it, they will be old friends. If you have old friends, send them this song by Ben Rector. It will bless them!