The Path to Meaningful Relationships

I’d like to tell you a story, my friend. To give you an inside glimpse at one of my most precious memories. I am currently on a little weekend getaway with my beloved husband to celebrate my birthday. We are staying at a friend’s beach house, and being so close to the beautiful ocean has led me to think on a day which is forever instilled in my mind.

the-path-to-meaningful-relationships-womenabiding

Both my sister and I worked geographically near each other many years ago. Living in Israel at the time, Fridays were the beginning of the Sabbath, and so we both finished work early that day. We got into the wonderful habit of getting together for something fun to do for those end-of-week afternoons.

We would visit the local markets in Tel Aviv, sit out in the warm sun at cafés, and walk the ancient streets of nearby Jaffa. Precious times of fellowship together in which a bond of indescribably close friendship was formed.

There is one memory that stands out from amongst the rest.

It must have taken place around October because I remember that it wasn’t scorching hot, rather gorgeously pleasant. We decided to go to the beach and swim. We arrived, happily chattering away, set ourselves up with towels, lotion, and picnic goodies, and then headed into the sea.

The water that day was so calm and serene with only bobbing currents every now and then where a wave would have formed. The sun was glistening onto the deep, blue water and gently onto our skin. I remember thinking in those glorious moments as I floated along with my arms stretched out, that I wanted to stay there forever. As I soaked in the rays of sunlight, that beautiful memory of being with my Lord as well as with my best friend seeped into my soul, and the tranquil joy that I felt with both was etched upon my mind.

I share this personal flashback with you, dear one, for a purpose.

A purpose that may jolt you back into reality. You see, it was less than six short years later, that my sister was killed in a car accident. My best friend. A woman who held my heart, my secrets, and with whom castles of countless memories were built. I know I will see her in Heaven, but the loss of her companionship on the earth even 14 years later is, to be honest, territory I rarely visit. The pain cuts too deep and the heartbreak is too great.

Jesus is one who knew how to make the most of each moment with loved ones. In John 7:33-34, as He was about to be arrested, He said to His treasured disciples, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to Him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” It was at that point that the disciples should have understood the path to meaningful relationships was not to take our time with those close to us for granted, but rather to make every minute count.

My friend,

  • Say those touching thoughts you feel but don’t express to your parents.
  • Be the embodiment of kindness and gentleness to your husband.
  • Sacrificially lay down your life for your brother in acts of service.

And mostly, where your Creator is concerned, the One most worthy of your soul, time, and devotion – live for Him, obey His Word, adhere to his rich statutes, bow before Him in gratitude and humility. As though this day were your last, and this chance your greatest. Glorify Your King.

Your days on this earth are not a right, they are a gift Tweet

As I spend precious moments with my beloved husband this weekend, I am aware not to take him or our time together for granted. This may be my last birthday, or it may be his last days. Most probably not. But only God knows. It is our responsibility to weigh and consider every second, pour out our love at every opportunity, and resolve to live this day as though it were our last.

What would you change in your relationships if you were to consider that your days, and those of your loved ones, are numbered?

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54 Comments

  1. Thank you Tehila for sharing this wonderful post at Family Fun Friday. I will be featuring it at this week’s link up on my blog. Blessings! <3, Misty

  2. Losing my son made me contemplate the exact same thing. That moment made me wonder what all of the busyness was for, and why I wouldn’t want to spend every waking moment with my children, except they drive me crazy LOL! I wouldn’t trade in the craziness for a job. And watching my little ones sleep is beyond joyful! Thank you for sharing with Countdown in Style.

  3. Tehila, this is beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful reminder that we shouldn’t take those that we love for granted and that we need to make every moment with them count. God bless, Misty

  4. What a moving story. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Tehila. But thank you so much sharing it so we can all be reminded once more of this important truth of never taking our loved ones for granted.
    Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays.
    Blessings
    Mel from Essential Thing Devotions

  5. I am so glad that your relationship with your sister was so sweet and even sacred. It is the precious memories that you can hold dear. I know your time at the beach with your husband was also blessed by our Lord. Happy Birthday and may you enjoy many more!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us here at “tell Me a Story.

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine losing someone who is that close to me. It’s so true that we need to cherish our loved ones while they are here. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and wisdom with us at Countdown in Style! Don’t forget to stop by Friday to see if you are featured 🙂

  7. These stepping stones are so touching and beautiful. I’ve noticed that as the day to day wear and tear rips at my patience, I’m not as sweet or loving or Christlike as I ought to be. This is such a good reminder! Thank you so much for sharing it. I’m glad I found your blog on the blog hop, am now tagging along, and can’t wait to read more. Hoping you stop by to say hi sometime. http://wanderlust-wishlist.blogspot.com

    1. Yes, Karen. You are not alone in that daily struggles and busyness of life wears at our appreciating our sweet loved ones around us, and often keeps us from treasuring the moments that we have with them. So excited to get to know you better 🙂 xx

  8. First let me say, Happy Birthday! You must be having a glorious time at the beach! It was only 19 degrees today here in Upstate NY!! Your story has touched my heart. You are so right! We just never know if this moment is ours or a loved one’s last! We need to make the most of our moments with no regrets!

  9. I am so sorry about your sister and your heart hurt. What terrible tragedy. I am glad you were blessed by her love. I am sure she was blessed by yours too. take care

    1. What an honour to have you stop by, Sandra. Thank you! Yes, each breath is indeed a gift, and one that may be our last. Our lives truly are not our own… God bless you in your special and touching ministry xx

  10. I love this perspective, Tehila! Realizing the brevity of our lives has the power to impact every area of our lives – including our relationships.

  11. I could not imagine losing my mother or sister. I know our days are numbered and a gift. I cherish every moment. I need to make sure I let those close to me know how important they are and what a gift they are from God.

    1. Yes, Mary! Expressing our love with words, and making sure nothing is left unsaid is one of the most important steps we can take in building meaningful relationships. What a great point you’ve made! xx

  12. “Your days on this earth are not a right, they are a gift.” So very true & something the Lord was showing me since the start of the new year. I know He has been teaching me to number my days. I love how the NLT words it, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life SO THAT we may grow in wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12) There is a wisdom that grows in us as we come to realize that life is fleeting. So glad that I stopped here from the Cozy Reading Spot this morning 🙂 Blessings!

  13. What a lovely memory and a poignant reminder of the urgent need to take every opportunity to love, encourage, help, bless, and obey in this very day! Thank you for sharing from such a tender place, Tehlia! {I hopped over from the Thrive @ Home Thursday Link Up}

    1. Appreciate your sweet words, Dena. Today is indeed the only time we have to *live* and by God’s grace we should do so meaningfully in every area that He brings into our paths. Loved having you here 🙂

  14. Thank you for your lovely and heartfelt and truthful post.
    I am here from emily wierenga’s link up.
    Your post resonates deeply with me. I am so trying to slow my life down and go deeper with the persons God has placed close to me. You are so right that each moment with them is a gift.
    Bless you,
    Susan

    1. What a beautiful and God-glorifying desire you have, Susan. You are clearly a woman after God’s own heart. I really value the connection you made between having more meaningful relationships and slowing our pace of life. The two definitely go hand in hand, in my opinion. Would love to see you round here again 🙂 xx

  15. I can’t imagine losing my sister at such a young age. And I remember this is a triple loss for you, Tehila, since your mom and brand new nephew were killed in that car accident as well. No wonder you hold this truth so firmly in your heart and mind! I am grateful for the reminder, since I often forget how quickly life can change. It’s one that I want to permeate everything I do, say and think! Blessings to you, sweet friend!

    1. Yes, darling Bethy… you remember correctly. Savouring the present moment, and investing in our loved ones are truly activities we will never regret… Love and hugs to you xxx

  16. ‘The pain cuts too deep and the heartbreak is too great.’ It’s almost impossible to find the words, yet you have tried, and your sister is honored by the sweetness of your love …

  17. What a lovely read today, even if it is bitter-sweet 🙁 I’m always thinking of my dad who passed away sadly 2 years ago but I trust he is with Jesus in Heaven and I will be with him again when the time is right. When these events happen, it is important for one to think about mortality and how best to spend our short time on earth, hopefully sharing God’s love around us.

  18. Hi, what a blessing to have your sister in your life, although it wasn’t nearly long enough. You will meet again and I imagine she triumphs at your courage to write about your loss in a way that will bring healing to others who have unspoken words. God bless you for your writings and strength. Love and blessings to you.
    Kristen 🙂

  19. Thanks Tehila,
    Good reminder of things we KNOW, but can nevertheless neglect somewhat in the day to day. Thanks for sharing about your sister – sorry for your loss, lovely memories, and how sweet the reunion ONE DAY!! Enjoy your special time away.

  20. This is beautiful Tehila,
    I read it to my children.
    It was very good timing. We are all letting the small irritations (and some larger ones), of life distract us from the love we have for eachother and turn it into resentment.
    Please pray for Shalom to be restored to our family.
    I am so glad you two have this time together. It will do you so much good.
    *hugs and kisses*
    Esther

  21. Thanks Tehila you have used your tragedy to bless others and this is just how the Lord would have us respond. A teachable heart allows us to look past the grief even momentarily to find the lessons that will enrich our walk with God and encourage others – you have done this for me today! Thank you for sharing

  22. Thank you for shareing your memories about your sister. I too have soo many wonderful memories of our family camping in the summers and my sister and I were close. We did so much together. We both enjoyed boating and saved our 50 cents weekly allowance for months, then combined it to buy a blow up raft. My sister was murdered when we were teenagers. I am 44 now and still have moments where I weep bitterly for her. She is the one who showed me Jesus. The summer before she died I was very moody and angry and she told me I was unhappy because I didn’t know Jesus. Those words stuck with me after her death and in my twenties I was soo depressed and angry I decided to learn about who her Jesus was. I remembered how happy she was and I wanted that too. It wasn’t long until he showed up in my dreams, my life, through people who were Christians, circumstances started happening and I got saved. I know shes in heaven smiling saying , see I told you 🙂

  23. What a blessing your sister was and is still to you…and us. Thank you for sharing of your sweet relationship and the reminder to make every moment count. Enjoy your get away!

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