eUnharmony
Within many of the social circles that I tread, a common and typical theme that comes up are words and phrases like “what does it mean to date?” “what are women seeking?” “what are men seeking?” This truly makes sense since the majority of our community is single. Most would agree it is by human nature that we seek a companion. But the more I think about it, this process must differ from person to person. Some tend to be the type that just can’t be out of a relationship, others are so independent that they are not comfortable in them, and then there is a group that just is in limbo. What is that other group?
We live in a society where value on relationships has been watered down. We feel that we need to find the right person by taking on the grueling process and expense of what we call dating. Does this always have to be so difficult? I think not. Sometimes I wonder though if we as Christians fall into the same trap that the secular dating world does. And heck, what’s the difference? Besides the physical intimacy and sex of course. I mean, unfortunately when people can’t find the results they seek, they tend to go with what others say as fact. Frankly, what I feel, and it’s all just my opinion, is that we depend too much on what these Christians authors like “Ludy” and “Harris” write about relationships. Don’t get me wrong, I truly feel there are some points that others make that are valid and wise. But crap, why don’t we go out on a limb and take a chance on what our gut is saying?
Some friends of mine have recently tried out some online dating services. The more I think about it makes me wonder. God put us on this planet and has blessed man with woman and vice versa. God provided for man. Where do we draw the line to where we seek out who God has planned for us individually, and letting God work this person into our lives?
So I wonder, this limbo I mentioned before. It may sound strange, but how true could it be? Do we not engage in relationships because we are scared they will succeed? Most would say they fear failure, but have you every feared success? I know i’ve thought about it and I guess others may too, who knows? But to succeed in a relationship that wasn’t the person God planned for you. Is this possible? A successful loving relationship and not be in God’s plan? I ponder…
I write this mostly on an entertainment value, but I am curious what others may think. Can we be so eager about getting into a relationship that we walk past the true one?Is there such a thing? Food for thought!
We live in a society where value on relationships has been watered down. We feel that we need to find the right person by taking on the grueling process and expense of what we call dating. Does this always have to be so difficult? I think not. Sometimes I wonder though if we as Christians fall into the same trap that the secular dating world does. And heck, what’s the difference? Besides the physical intimacy and sex of course. I mean, unfortunately when people can’t find the results they seek, they tend to go with what others say as fact. Frankly, what I feel, and it’s all just my opinion, is that we depend too much on what these Christians authors like “Ludy” and “Harris” write about relationships. Don’t get me wrong, I truly feel there are some points that others make that are valid and wise. But crap, why don’t we go out on a limb and take a chance on what our gut is saying?
Some friends of mine have recently tried out some online dating services. The more I think about it makes me wonder. God put us on this planet and has blessed man with woman and vice versa. God provided for man. Where do we draw the line to where we seek out who God has planned for us individually, and letting God work this person into our lives?
So I wonder, this limbo I mentioned before. It may sound strange, but how true could it be? Do we not engage in relationships because we are scared they will succeed? Most would say they fear failure, but have you every feared success? I know i’ve thought about it and I guess others may too, who knows? But to succeed in a relationship that wasn’t the person God planned for you. Is this possible? A successful loving relationship and not be in God’s plan? I ponder…
I write this mostly on an entertainment value, but I am curious what others may think. Can we be so eager about getting into a relationship that we walk past the true one?Is there such a thing? Food for thought!

8 Comments:
It's funny that you said, "Do we not engage in relationships because we are scared that they will succeed?" I rarely hear people say that. I think that they may feel that way, they just don't admit it. Interesting blog!
Psalms 37:23 "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way."
I think sometimes we over analyze things especially relationships. If we continue to follow God and meet someone we are interested and the relationship leads somewhere, then we should have no fear or doubt that it's God's Will. We just have to take the risk to get there. That's my 2 cents! Toooodles!
Lydia,
Good stuff! And great pull!
The Wednesday night link group that I attended had a conversation about fear, and I was asked what I was afraid of. I responded and said " I am afraid of succeeding." The people in the link group looked at me like I was crazy. But I think this blog was rather interesting.
Mag49,
Yep... It's quite common to fear success. I know as a saleman I do it. I guess people sometimes do just enough to do the job, or finish the project. See if you set the bar too high it will be hard to continually better it. I know in my profession sometimes I hold back to make the next year a breeze. It comes down to setting expectations for future goals. I guess we have to put this fear aside and live on faith that there are bigger successes ahead. Thanks for the input.
I was thinking that this could sort of go with what Mark was saying this week. We hold back (especially in our jobs) because we are afraid of various things. Sometimes I think that it is easier to keep on failing or doing a mediocre job because that is what you are used to. Success is a change for some people, and most times a big one. In order to be the best person that we can be (and be better Christians), we have to get over this fear of success. It is not easy though, because to succeed (even if it is a small degree more than you are used to), means that you are thrown out of your comfort zone and that is what people are really afraid of.
I get wordy, so uh...at least I warned you...
First of all, I adore the title: eUnharmony. I really feel uncomfortable with the whole online dating thing. It is not because I am afraid to try it, it's because I feel there is so much more to first impressions and interactions that you just can't get online. (Also, you can never quite tell for sure the tone someone is taking or if they are straight up lying.) Call me old fashioned, or a romantic, but it would kinda be weird telling your family (and kids if it got that far) that you met online. Just my opinion.
Now to the questions, everyone asks them. Everyone. Sadly, there are no answers, or right ones I feel. Especially in today’s society where indeed the relationship is watered down and compared to the relationships Meg Ryan has in each of her films. So, when things go wrong and good old Tom Hanks doesn’t realize Meg is the one for him, the person who is left dumped and single is back to square one and wondering what went wrong. Why did this happen? What does the other really want? These questions will never have one universal correct answer. But, being a romantic, all the answers will be wrong until you find someone and it works out, and then you won’t even have ask them.
I agree with Lydia. I think everything is very overanalyzed. I also think that this is partially because of society and trying to have that “movie relationship,” and partially because we are afraid. Afraid of taking the chance and it not working out, but more frightening is taking that chance and having it work out. Having it work out. Not for a month, or a year, but for a very long time. The person would take a big step into your life and remain there. It is a scary thought. In order to even get to that point of letting someone in, there are barriers that are set up in order to protect ourselves from getting hurt. Hence the overanalyzing. It is so much easier to dismiss something after it has been analyzed to almost nothing, than it is to follow what we are feeling and take a chance. Which is a great thing to do if the fear of risk is set aside and you have faith that God has a plan no matter what happens. Now, I am not saying take a chance with anyone who shows interest in you, but if you feel it. Take the chance. Now, that is always easier said than done.
And this is very long, so I shall shut up.
To the anonymous responder. I totally agree! I was thinking just that as well. Good stuff!
Sandy... great stuff as well. You nearly pararalled my entry. I agree with your response, wow. We agree on something?
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