I was in the middle of a lot. Work was a lot. Family members’ lives were busy. I was trying to leave for an annual retreat. I wanted to check out of the routine, but there were some work responsibilities I didn’t want to drop. There were family happenings I wouldn’t miss. And someone asked me, “What’s it like to do all of this on your own?”

It only stung for a minute, because I knew that wasn’t their intent. More importantly, I’m not on my own. I am not alone. I get to do it all with God, and yes, I know that sounds simplistic. Some people won’t get the depth of what I mean. Some people will discount faith. But my statement is true. I get to. I don’t have to. It’s a choice. I don’t have the life partner I started a journey with decades ago, and while I still shake my head in confusion about it from time to time, most of the time I am grateful that I don’t have to deal with the stress of the relationship. Because I can imagine “what if” someone hadn’t harshly walked out of my life, but I can also imagine “what if” I lived in the disrespect and disregard? Are there things I miss? Absolutely. But would I have those things, such as, support and encouragement and partnership? Likely not.

In addition to God, I have so many people he’s placed in my life. Some have been with me for decades. They’ve seen me at my best and at my worst, and we continue to do life together. Some of those relationships are even better because of the tough times. When you put in the effort to work through the tough times, bonds are stronger. Authentic conversations heal. And there are people I wouldn’t know or have the depth of relationship I have if I hadn’t gone through the intense fractured-into-wholeness season. Some of the opportunities I’ve had astound me. There are friends who have weathered my highs and lows with me as well as their own. I most definitely do not do life alone. I don’t handle all the stressors alone. I don’t celebrate alone. The only way that is going to happen is if I isolate myself and stop fostering relationships.

To be sure, relationships take effort and time. They’re not simple or easy, because they involve people, including me. And people are often complex. Working through life together strengthens our bonds when we take a humble approach, always leaning toward healthier.

Together with the wrong people can be tough, but there are usually right people with us as well, and I am grateful for every single one, whether they are a daily part of my life or an occasional influence. They help me never do life alone. And I’m thankful, because life is often a lot.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download