Connections and Communications

 Hello All You Peoples!

I am writing to you today with thoughts about the power of talking openly with other human beings. 

Thoughts of this came to my mind as I did a quiz this week that was set up as a conversation between myself and an imaginary cousin. The topic was fairly serious. It was the Supreme Court's decision on same sex marriage in Obergerfell v. Hodges. 

A large portion of the ruling was based on the statement that there were no differences found between heterosexual and homosexual households. In the quiz, my imaginary cousin believed that statement from the get go. I however, read an article (Marks 2012) before hand that gave me insight into the issues with the research that was done to come to the conclusion of no differences. 

As the quiz went along, understanding dawned and agreements were reached. I don't see many discussions or arguments go this way. It was really impressive to me how much patience and listening went on in that imaginary conversation. It got me thinking, "what if my own family conversations went that way?" 

Well, for one relationships would be closer. For two, the communication would be better. For three, we would actually want to spend time together more often than once or twice a year. These things all sounded great when I thought of them and it led me to wonder how I could get my family on the same page as myself on this issue and make their communication more effective and loving. What I came to next was this: I can't.  

It is not mine to change their beliefs or modes of communication. It is for me to change myself and my own actions and thoughts. I may serve as an example to those I wish would change. I may be disregarded if I communicate in a healthy way that they don't like. It is not my job to control their response to me. 

If you can't tell, I am more than a little anxious about working to better my communication skills with my family. We don't take change well and I have been working really hard to change that in myself. If you all want, I can keep you updated on how things go. Just let me know. 

Back to connections and communication though. I think that connections are made through communication. We say things that other people find to be true for themselves too and we form a connection in that moment. A history of connections made over time constitutes a relationship. Without communication, not connections can be made and no relationships are to be had. That's why communication is so dang important! We can form relationships, change ideas, share ideas, and share love and care through communication. 

One form of communication that is often stressed in religious meetings is prayer. Prayer is simply communication with our God. Without it, how are we to have a relationship with God? The same concept applies to families. 

If we don't talk to and listen to family members, how are we to form, strengthen, or transform relationships with them be it an imaginary cousin or our own mothers? 

I leave you with this: Communication is key to covenants. And a picture of family I chose instead of being born into. 

I invite you all to leave comments letting me know what your thoughts on this are. 

Sincerely,

AR