Saturday, October 3, 2015

October 4, 2015

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

When you are on second base you are halfway home! 

Second base is the relationship base. When you learn to do relationships well you are well on your way to a successful and satisfying life.

If you want to life the Home Run Life and if you want to Raise Home Run Kids learning second base is essential.

In a recent post I pointed out that showing respect is a big part of winning at second base. That is consistent with the Golden Rule. You want to be respected so you should show respect to others.

Also, showing compassion is a relationship building block.

A third crucial component of winning at second base is learning to make good friends.

Charlies "Tremendous" Jones said, "In five years you will be the same person you are today except for the books you read and the people you meet."

Teach your kids about the circles of friendship. There must be a big circle and a small circle. The big circle can include many of the friends you enjoy spending time with. The little circle is far more selective. You want to be very careful who you allow to get close to you. Pastor Kevin Meyers suggests three qualities of a person you should allow into your small circle.

1) You want people who do what they say.

It's hard to get close to people who don't keep their word. You can't trust a person who doesn't follow through on his promises.

2) You want people who can give and take.

I had a room mate once who often gave me gifts or did favors but wouldn't let me do nice for him in return. While he meant well I found it frustrating that my attempts to return his kindness where refused.

It is blessed to give but refusing to receive the gift can rob the blessing from the giver.

3) You want people who can forgive and get better.

Have you ever asked someone to forgive you and they said they would but you sense that the relationship is different. You want to believe them but the silent strain in the relationship gives you the feeling they didn't get over it.

You need people in your life who accept your apology and the work to restore the relationship to where it was. That is a rare person and when you find him you want him in your life. You want people like that in your kid's life, too.

Make as many casual friends as you can. Those are big circle friendships. But be very careful who you let into the small circle.

Second base is the relationship base but the quality of your relationships at second will be determined by your connection at home and the character development that is happening at first base.