What seems to matter most, in the final analysis, is our relationships. You can’t take your stuff with you, our money becomes nothing, our accomplishments may live on in memories, but the people we have been able to love and become part of will last forever.

This helps me to keep things in some kind of perspective, especially when things get rather complicated or difficult. With 8 children, mostly grown now, at least one is in the midst of a crisis at almost any given time. This keeps me in the loop at least!

Take the time, make the extra effort to nurture at least some kind of relationship with those who are in your sphere of life and influence. You may have the family you were born into, or it might be the one you have chosen, but give them priority and do what you can to keep your friendship and companionship thriving.

I think I will skip the company Christmas party and go to the one that is for my musical friends instead!!

Randy Hough writes about family stress at www.stress-familyhealth.net