Do parents really matter?

Now before all you parents out there get all upset. I'm not talking about someones personal set of parental figures. A friend and I had an interesting conversation the other night that sparked a realization within myself. We begun by talking about past relationships and what we missed, and what was wrong in them and what not. We came to a conclusion that it is quite an important thing to mesh well, and get along with the parents of a significant other. I didn't really think that it was as big a deal personally as it does indeed seem to be.

I believe each person, despite if they would like to admit it or not, has qualities of their parents within themselves. The way you are raised plays a huge part in who you become, and possibly even genetically, but I'm not a scientist so don't quote me on that one. Either way, I think that each person has a bit of each parent within them. Thus, if you are in a relationship with someone, and they don't get along with your parents, or you theirs, I think that isn't such a good thing. We all hear about the "dreaded in-laws" and what not. and I know out there, there are probably a lot of people that don't agree with what I'm saying. Each is entitled to their own opinions and views. I do believe that if you are unable to get along with your significant others parent then that is almost saying that there is a part of that person you are with that you don't get along with. I'm not saying that immediately a friendship/relationship with said persons parents is a requirement, but if after time and effort, it isn't possible, could it be not such a good sign? I don't know. Personally I know that when I find someone, I think I need to be able to get along with their parents. To be able to be around them without that person, and feel completely comfortable and at home.

Maybe when the time comes to look again for someone, I should change where I look and start looking for some parents I get along with...on second though...I think not.

Turning ones sight inward

It's isn't always a fun thing. Looking into yourself that is. Its so much easier to ignore yourself and focus on outside distractions. I find it personally easier to imagine I'm ok then to actually take time to focus on myself. It's easier because whenever I do honestly, key word being honestly, look at myself I find that all isn't ok. I'm not meaning to say that I have huge inner burdens to do battle with, it isn't about the size or severity of the issue. Maybe I do, Maybe I don't, but I think that we all will always have things in ourselves that we know we could better.

This is a transition time in my life. As such, I know that I need to focus and turn my eyes on myself. I'm not always happy about that, but I know I need to. I don't know what I'm going to find, but I'm going to genuinely attempt to allow God to show me my faults in his eyes, to finally smarten up, and grow up spiritually. I truly believe he is pointing things out in my life, its my responsibility not to turn the blind eye.

I've joined a small group this year at the church I attend. We're currently working through a series called "Whats so Amazing About Grace". I seem to take a little bit from each session, one that has been stuck in my mind lately was the session on Forgiveness. When you really think about it the line "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us" becomes a scary thought. Purely for the "as WE forgive those who trespass against us". Sometimes forgiveness isn't always easy, but its a requirement, not an option. Forgiveness however, does not mean that the relationship has to be mended to its previous state. It's an interesting concept to truly ponder. Forgiveness of others, as well as, Forgiveness of oneself.