Successful Relationships
Thanks for reading. Sorry for the delay since my last posting. 
One reason why life is so great is that we get to share our lives in relationship with people around us. Relationships are never easy because they take work and selflessness to succeed. I wanted to briefly share something I’ve learned that has helped me to be more successful in my relationships. In my life, I have a wife, three children, parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, staff, mentors; I’m a pastor and public figure so I have many different relationships at many different levels. I don’t relate to the general public like I do with my kids. Each relationship you have must carry different expectations.
One of the best ways to successfully manage your different relationships is by looking at the expectations you have for these relationships. When you are learning to be a parent sometimes you think that your children should be able to do something that they really aren’t ready for. With inappropriate expectations, this can turn to frustration and unnecessary disappointment. Now that I have three children I have found myself having unrealistic expectations of my oldest son, who is now five years old. These expectations were leading to frustrations and stress in our relationship. Once I learned to manage realistic expectations and to just love my son without an agenda our relationship has launched to a whole new level.
The same is true in marriage or in any relationship you have. As a leader of a group, organization, business, church, or a family, your responsibility is to generate realistic and reasonable expectations of those in relationship with you. This is an important first step but you don’t stop here. Once you establish realistic expectations, you must communicate these realistic expectations. In communication, you will find out if the people you are in relationship with agree with the expectations and if they understand them.
I know for myself in ministry life, its important for people to have realistic expectations of me as a pastor as well as me to have realistic expectations of others roles in relationship with me, whether family, friends, staff, volunteers or church members.
When realistic relationship expectations are clearly communicated you always create an environment for success. Relationships are part of what makes life so great so do everything in your power to make your relationships successful.
God bless you and see you next time.
Way to go Craig! This concept is sinking deep into the core of who you are and is making you a more effective husband, father, leader and friend.
I am proud of you and am honored to call you my friend.