RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

            There are many reasons why the relationships I currently have in my life are so important to me.  There have been many people who have passed through my life and I certainly believe in the saying that, “some people enter your life for a season, some for a reason, some for a lifetime, but they all leave something to remember.  My relationships have given me an opportunity to grow and mature in ways I never thought possible.  Some of these relationships left a negative impact and some positive, but regardless of the impact, it allowed me to learn some valuable lessons and to make some purposeful decisions.  Each person who currently holds a significant place in my life has made an impact on many of the most important decisions I’ve made towards my future.

            I will begin with my mother.  She has always been supportive, encouraging and a great role model for me.  Nex are my children, whom I love dearly, have taught me how to look at life through a new set of eyes, with new ideas and they allowed me to believe that it’s never too late to live your dream.  Finally, my Pastor and best friend and my church family, who helped me believe again and regain my relationship with God.  My faith helped me to grow in ways I never thought possible.

My mother is a wonderful human being who taught me to be independent, determined and to work hard for whatever I wanted out of life.  She always told me that my circumstances do not define me, but strengthens me.  She gave me a great foundation and when things in my life were at their lowest point, she was there to listen, not give advice, but allow me to make my own decisions. She also taught me to value education, a lesson I instilled in my children who also taught me a valuable lesson. 

              I always wanted to pursue a higher degree, but because of choices I made to begin a family, I put my dream on the shelf and raised my children.  My children later encouraged me to go back to school and because of them,  I receive my Masters Degree in Counseling, and we were all able to graduate together on the same day with our college degrees.  My son has taught me the greatest lesson of all.  He was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and he never allowed his disability to interfere with what he wanted.  He is a college graduate, working and about to pursue his Masters Degree.  He credits my determination and encouragement for helping him become the man he is.  I credit his persistence and humbling attitude with helping me become a better parent and my love and passion for working with children with disabilities.

             I met my Pastor at a time when I thought my world as I knew it could not possibly get any worse.  She not only became my Pastor and Mentor, but also my Supervisor and my business partner.  We have developed a very close relationship and because of her guidance, honesty and generosity, I am in position to do more in my life than I ever dreamed.  This relationship helped me to excel to heights I never thought possible, both spiritually and professionally.  I learned that it is not just important to have faith in God, but having faith in you is even more important.  I enjoy a relationship with God that I never though possible.  He has answered prayers and shown me favor that I honestly cannot explain.  It has taught me to be more accepting, nonjudgmental and more forgiving.   

            I’ve learned over the course of my life that relationships are not only important, but whether they last over a long period of time or for a short time, each one brings something into your life that can be used to edify and build you up.  Every relationship is a lesson learned.  Each of these relationships were the most significant ones in my life which made the most lasting impression. The most prevalent thing I found through each of them is that they each were willing to give of themselves to help me become a better me.  They were not entering into this relationship/partnership because they wanted something from me, but because they had something to give.  The great thing about real relationships is that each party brings something to the table in the exchange, each one takes something away.  What you do with your portion and how you use it can only be determined by you.  My relationships have made me a successful, proactive and effective educator, administrator, and advocate for the education of children and families. They have helped me find my purpose.