People or Problem Priorities

How do you feel about disruptions?

Sitting on the porch yesterday morning – in 70-degree weather in Texas, which is unheard of this time of year – I was enjoying my coffee and going back and forth between journaling and watching two squirrels chase each other around the massive trunk of a very old pecan tree. It was peaceful, and it had been months since I truly enjoyed a morning outside. Summer months in Texas wake up to the 90’s through August – and sometimes October – and me and heat aren’t the best of friends.

My husband came out (I don’t think I ever determined why – I should ask) and when he did it startled me, I knocked my coffee over, and coffee with cream went all over me and the patio.

There was a frantic rush to hose down the patio, sweep it off before mosquitoes started swarming (another fun thing about Texas summers) and then get into some dry clothes.

And you know what?

I laughed!

I laughed and kissed my husband and thanked him for being a welcome disruption.

Because if he wasn’t here anymore to disrupt me, I would be really sad.

And… if we prioritize people over problems, the problems often get taken care of. (He even got the broom and jumped in to help wash down the patio.)

It has gotten me thinking about how that looks in my other relationships.

Whether personal or business, casual or close, do I welcome disruptions?
Maybe not so much. Welcome is a big word.

But the bigger question is: Do I prioritize people over problems?

That is what I really want to master! Because prioritizing problems damages relationships.

But when we work on the problems while staying relational, we win at both!

Is there a relationship in your life that has some problems?

Which looks bigger? The problems? Or the person?

I am asking myself those same questions today.

Let’s give ourselves grace… give each other grace… but be courageous enough to answer those questions honestly.

As much as it may seem this way at times, people are not problems to be fixed.
They are souls in need of love.
Just like me.
Just like you.