“Relationships.” (No matter the effort, good relationships are our most valued and needed element to our humanity and day to day happiness.)

Each one of us is learning and expands as a human being through life experiences, education, reading, from inner wisdom and through Divine relationship. Additionally, we enrich and are informed from each other.

As Homo-sapiens we want to be loved. An anonymous quote says: “It’s only human to want to be in love.” We like to be with people; we come together as groups, couples and communities.

However, we bond with like-minded people and we learn much from those we do not agree with or easily like. Sometimes we learn the most from people who challenge us in some way. Yet we are drawn to one another, to companionship.

Even though, in our friendships, partnerships, marriage, work environments and togetherness, problems and conflicts can arise. It’s good when we pause, step back and say somewhat humorously — Oh it’s time to learn something here.

As an example, I was officiating at a wedding. I married a couple. The groom had a very wealthy sister who attended his wedding. She was the type who loved the center-stage attention. On the other hand the minister besides the newly-weds get the spotlight and limelight. She as a consequence chose to be snippy to me.

Nonetheless, I kept my cool and ministerial demeanor and continued to be friendly and my reverend self. I admit she was somewhat bothersome. My attention though continued to be on the couples needs and also in the enjoyment of the occasion of a wedding.

After the ceremony and in some reflection time, I forgave the sister of the groom and surrounded her in white light. I thought to myself, whatever her need may it be fulfilled in the highest way; then released her. Sometimes people like that who seem antagonistic are not easy people to encounter.

What helped me at the time, was not taking her challenging attitude personal. I figured she must be trying to fulfill a need by capturing the limelight.