by Sr. Liana de Jesus, MMM                                Brazil/USA                       06.05.2026

Nurturing relationships happen easily when we live close to our families and friends. We try our best to have a moment together, we plan some fun together, we remember the birthdays of each other, we give gifts or sometimes we only give a birthday card. Our friends don’t need to be our own age.  But a person that we can cry, laugh, and share moments with.  

When a member of our family leaves our home to study or to work in another country they remain part of our family. It is the same with our friends. The secret to maintaining a relationship with family and friends without losing the bond is to keep communicating. Send a card when it is possible, email,  call or  visit them when it is possible. Real relationships do not have boundaries; they are about being there for those we love and appreciating their presence. 

Even physical distancing does not separate a true friendship. Do not let distance, business or new priorities push loved ones aside. You risk losing precious connections. Instead, hold them close, tell them you miss them, and reach out to them.  A simple birthday message can mean the world. Sometimes we only realize someone’s value when they have gone. Take a moment to appreciate those who care for you and show them your love.

Relationships are like a garden of roses, everyone wants to take time to look  and take pictures of the roses and their diversity of beauty and colors. The rose is beautiful, but it also has thorns to show its boundaries, sometimes you have to be careful.  

It is the same with our family and friends; we need to respect boundaries and learn to understand their differences and limitations. If you pick a rose in the garden without proper care the thorn will harm your hands, but if you use proper gloves, you won’t feel the pain. This also applies to us when we do not use compassion and decide to keep silent for a long time. This can leave a pain at the heart of our friend or family member and we will lose them. 

Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” I found this passage very profound when thinking about relating to one another. The world today is desperately in need of people who listen to our ups and down in life. No one lives alone, we definitely need each other to live and to become our best selves. ”  

Colossians 3:12 “May I clothe myself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. May I be patient with my friends, and may I forgive freely like you have forgiven me. May I shine your light in my friendships, giving glory to you through all that I do, say, and think. Thank you for my friends, Jesus. Thank you for the ways they build me up and remind me of your goodness and faithfulness. In your name I pray, Amen.”