We Can Sometimes Get Stuck

 

Have you ever felt as though you were stuck?

There are several ways in which this can happen. The most obvious one being to get stuck physically, such as in a traffic jam where there is not enough space in front of or behind your car for you to even get out of the lane you are in. In this regard, most adults can relate. I imagine that people of all ages can relate to being stuck physically somehow.  How have you been stuck?

There are also ways of being or feeling “stuck” that are not as obvious as when it is physical in nature.  For example, I have felt “stuck” spiritually where my faith may feel stagnant, or waning, or lacking in some way or another. It rarely takes me long to realize in these types of situations that if I am lacking in faith or feel spiritually stagnant, it is because it is I who has moved away from God, and not God who moved away from me.

There are times, however, when relationships are not the way I would like them to be. This type of situation to me is the most challenging kind in that yes, I have control over my own behavior, but no governing over that of the other person in the relationship. I can do everything in my power to grow and strengthen the relationship, but if the other person doesn’t, then the relationship can remain indefinitely stagnant. Love is like a dance. Relationships with other people require cooperation from all involved to be healthy. You cannot do a tango or a waltz alone. These dances like that of a two-person relationship, require both people to do their part to be successful.

It can be especially challenging when you value a relationship that has been stuck for months or years in a negative routine. It becomes difficult to see the possibility for improvement. How long must one wait before they choose to end the relationship? One cannot just stop communicating with family or friends without raising questions from others for the most part. It is also best for all people involved to resolve conflicts and try to heal relationships.

An individual can love their spouse, their parents, their children, their friends, co-workers, etc. and yet evidence will show that the relationship is not healthy. We can also be challenged to see how the relationship may ever be healthy, or be the way that God designed it to be. These trying times can not only test one’s faith but may also lead to a feeling of being stuck with no hope or clear direction. We can pray, read scripture as well as seek guidance from people who are grounded in the truth, and yet we ultimately need to trust in God’s timing and not in our own lack of understanding that is evident due to our own humanity. 

I know people who have been estranged from their parents and or one or more siblings for many months or years. I have family members who have passed away without resolving conflict with their own family members. There are also people in our own churches and neighborhoods who are in a loveless marriage, living like roommates. None of these people are relating how God intended them to.

 Everyone can “get stuck” at one time or another in their lives… sometimes they stay stuck because they don’t know how to move, or they do not want to disappoint God or other people by making the wrong choice in getting “unstuck”. If you have a friend like that, pray for them. Pray for them a lot.

Let’s ALL love one another better, I think it would help. What do you think?

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