Free Relational GPS... Part 1

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus then human relations are the culmination of an ongoing sensitive foreign policy between two distinct species that begin worlds apart and are destined to be war-torn. 

Or, truth be told, men and women did not begin worlds apart, rather in perfect union and harmony.  The continuance of such union and harmony is the cooperative enduring effort of reflecting the very Divine nature in which we derived. Such a journey is impossible without proper navigation.  We have been given a relational road map, a fail-proof relational GPS, that details each maneuver to get our relationships back on track when they have gone astray (seem worlds apart). 

There are four pivotal maneuvers in this divinely inspired route.   At first glance, the maneuvers can appear confusing, tedious, and impossible to endure, therefore often neglected, leaving many in relational disarray attempting to find their own way.   But this free relational GPS comes with the very company and comfort of the One who created the fail-proof GPS system, and has Himself made this journey often.   The maneuvers, in their proper order, lead to unity and harmony in our relationships.  Although these maneuvers derive from a heavenly realm, they are meant for earthly good (personal application). 

The first maneuver in the fail-proof relational GPS is FORGIVENESS.  Forgiveness is a decision to release the offender from the rightful charge of the offense, never to be used against them again.  Forgiveness is not for the offender as much as it is for the offended.  By releasing the offender of their offense, the offended are free from the power of the offense having control of their lives and hardening their hearts (bitterness, vengeance, etc).  This is the first maneuver on the way to the fullest potential of any broken relationship.  It involves the offended forgiving the offender, as well as the offender forgiving themselves.  It is a personal decision to not limit oneself to the ruse of victimization.  This maneuver is a simple decision.  After this maneuver, stay in the right lane and continue on the adjacent highway.

The second maneuver in the fail-proof relational GPS is RECONCILIATION. Reconciliation is an act of our willingness to meet, offended with the offender, equally.  Reconciliation is literally an appointment (meeting) to communicate with one another in light of a hopeful outcome of unity and harmony.  During this maneuver there are a few miles to endure, communicating clearly the core values and redeemable qualities of the relationship – discovering why it is worth healing and salvaging.  Once these are agreed upon, with forgiveness as the precursor and driving force of this act of the will on both parts, you will want to take the next exit at the nearest “rest” stop.

The third maneuver in the fail-proof relational GPS is REST-ORATION.  Restoration is the creation and implantation of a plan and its process to bring the relationship back to its original state, but in a new and improved form that will be fulfilling for all involved.  In human relations, covering a multitude of sins with love does not happen overnight.  It is a cooperative effort involving the metamorphosis of how unity and harmony are going to be lived out in the relationship in the now, as well as on into the future.   A peaceful resolve is agreed upon and lived fully. 

There is a fourth maneuver beyond the “rest” stop.  As you merge back onto the highway toward unity and harmony you will want to maneuver into the carpool lane and get ready for the long haul.  The fourth maneuver on the relational GPS provided is RENEWAL.  Renewal is the ongoing growth and transformation (change) in a restored relationship.  Renewal is very organic and must be tended to much like a garden.  It embraces change and makes needed adjustments to allow all things to become new in the relationship, continually.  Human relations must be re-negotiated often.  Like a garden in full bloom is kept, weeded, harvested and reseeded, so are our individual and collective views, values, and volition throughout time.  Renewal is the ongoing signs of life in a healthy relationship that are worthy of celebration. 

Happiness is not a final destination; it’s the chosen perception of an ever changing view along the journey of life. 

~2011 Vaughn Wood