“Let’s Grow Together”
– this statement is printed on my cardboard box of Jiffy peat pots I had shipped to start my garden seeds in. I am literally sitting here at my kitchen table and I looked out the door with the words on this box in front of me. I can’t think of a better saying to build a post around dealing with relationships. This month we have focused on a garden theme and how these themes impact our health.
We started with “New Life in the Spring” and concrete ways to grow your own produce. I then touched on “The Garden of our Gut”, and the importance of growing a healthy gut biome. Our third post dealt with “The Garden of our Mind” and the impact our thoughts can have on our physical health and wellness.
The Longest Relationship Research Study Ever Done
This post targets the deeper meaning of planting and harvesting healthy relationships and the role they play in our health over a lifetime.
My husband really enjoys “TED Talks”, and my friend sent me this video to watch. This video is a little over twelve minutes, but the impact of this very real research is astounding. The title is “What Makes a Good Life?” and his opening question is “What makes us healthy and happy as we go through life?” Please watch, as I cannot explain this research with the ease and expertise of Robert Waldinger.
What If ?
I love watching the real stories of this research, but what about your story? I began thinking through my life and the relationships I have. I have had ups and downs; good and not so good – but overall, I have been completely blessed. My mind quickly went to people I have had contact with or have read about who have not had a life of great relationships. What if there are horrific circumstances of children sold into sex trafficking, or a lifetime of any variety of neglect or abuse? What if people are isolated or lonely (even in a room full of people)? What if depression or any number of blocks prevent relationship? What answer for health and happiness can we look for here?
The Answer
In my own mind and heart, I can only find one answer. During this incredible Easter season, it is the answer I have always clung to – the answer of Jesus Christ. His story is the ultimate relationship that can always be there in any place, at all times, all over the world. This relationship is full of love and hope and breaks through pain and loneliness. This relationship is always with us because we carry it inside us and it goes with us into eternity, forever. This relationship heals all wounds through forgiveness, mercy and grace. When this relationship is right, then all other relationships are just “gravy” or “icing on the cake”. God is relational and He built us to be relational. Our spiritual health does impact our physical health. I encourage you to focus on this relationship with Jesus this Easter. The story of Jesus is all about sowing and reaping; planting and harvesting – and bearing fruit in our relationships. Grow this garden well. Be blessed and have a very Happy Easter!
