Better TogetherSample

## THE RELATIONAL ELEVATOR You could describe relationships as an elevator. They can bring you down, keep you on the same level or lift you up. Ecclesiastes defines a good relationship as one that lifts you. There are relationships that we could and should cancel. There are also relations that we don’t get to choose ourselves and others that are worth fighting for no matter how negative they are at times. A destructive crew of friends, a negative workplace or boyfriend that neglects your true value are all examples of relations you’d be better off without. The connection with parents and siblings can mean we end up in a bad environment we didn’t choose but have to learn how to handle. We carry our childhood with us for the rest of our lives and into future relationships whether we know it or not. Not to say the least when it comes to kids and spouse. They are relationships always worth fighting for and do our utmost to keep healthy and elevating. Right when Mary got pregnant she had to put up with a lot of mockery and misunderstanding. She chose to leave the negative voices behind and go find her older relative Elizabeth for support and encouragement in a challenging time. Are there voices you need to limit and who do you need to come closer to refresh your soul?