Have you ever stopped to think how amazing it is that we can build skyscrapers, fly to outer space, create technology that leaves your head spinning, and yet we seem to absolutely bomb at maintaining simple relationships?
When we opened Cadence, almost seven years ago, we prayed that it would be a place where conversations would happen on a daily basis that would strengthen relationships.
Even now when I’m alone in the shop I pray over the tables where people sit asking God to cause conversations to occur that build up rather than tear down. At these tables people have laughed and cried, even express anger and frustration. I’ve actually sat at these tables when all of those things have happened – to me.
A son sat with tears in his eyes wishing he and his dad could communicate better.
A husband and wife have hashed out their differences, fighting for their marriage.
Parents have wept for their kids and the choices they’ve made.
The sad truth that I have discovered is that most of the relationship struggles stem from a lack of intentionality.
Intentional communication.
Intentional forgiveness.
Intentional investment into the life of someone else.
Phone calls are never made, visits are pushed off the calendar, cups of coffee or a meals together never happen, because . . . . . well we lack intentionality.
Don’t hear me say that I’m an expert on this. No, not at all. I have relationships in my life that could be so much better, if I was more intentional. I need to plan that date. I need to make that phone call. I need to send that text. I need to extend the invite.
But I’ve also been on the other side of a strained relationship wishing that “they” would be the one to call, to text, to stop by, to initiate a conversation that never seems to happen.
Truth is, if I wait for them, then nothing may ever happen. Because, sadly, there are those folks who simply don’t know how to be intentional. They’re always going to be the ones expecting the phone call, expecting you to take the first step. It stinks. But its true.
Don’t wait for them. You do it.
I get it . . . it takes two!
To quote the poetic musings of MC Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock:
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
Hit it!
Maybe, just maybe if you take the first step of intentionality, they will follow suit, and will learn from your example.
You make the phone call
You send the text.
You invite them to meet you for coffee.
I can tell you what it would like. . . it would be beautiful, healthy, as God intended our relationships to look
It doesn’t take much really.
It takes intentionality.
It takes two.
B E H I N D / T H E / B A R 
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