They Miss You When You're Gone....

So last night, like the rest of America, I was sitting around waiting to see where LeBron James was going. Being the educated sports aficionado I am (yeah right...lol), I had done my research and heard it was pretty much a done deal for him to go to Miami. But, I still tuned in and participated in the hype with the rest of country. Within moments he made one city overjoyed with hope, love, and anticipation, while his hometown yelled in outraged, burned his jerseys and cursed him out. I was like, "WOW, the man gave y'all 7 years, wasn't that enough?". He had gained an instant group of fans and haters all within one statement, "I'm going with The Miami Heat".

Isn't that just like in relationships or on a job where you are ready to take it to the next level? Where you want something more? Where you are simply not content? You give a man years and years of your life, only to end up fruitless and hopeless. Or on a job where you give all of your talent and hard work, only for them to give your promotion to someone else. The moment you threaten to leave, they start to scramble to find ways to keep you. Like the thought of you being with someone else or another company makes them sick. I find it hilarious.

When I look back over my past relationships (one in particular), I think about the things I endured and the issues I looked over, I was so unfulfilled. At one point, I decided to walk away. When I tell you the flowers came flooding in, dinners were cooked, calls wouldn't stop. As soon as he thought he couldn't have me anymore, he got sick. We played this game for a few years. Through other relationships, we always seemed to have some sort of tie. Through phone number changes, city changes, job changes, we always found ways to stay connected. The moment I said I was no longer interested in having any contact, he was not happy. Over time, he began to see what an asset I was to his life, but it was too late. I saw way too many other offers out there. I was hot stuff! lol. A lot like Cleveland and LeBron James. Now that he is gone, his importance is far more realized.

The funny thing about moving on is that you are able to explore other options and further define who you are. When you look back at where you began, you begin to understand why God allowed certain things and why He has ended others. Sometimes we find ourselves in relationships or jobs where we are not appreciated and are often taken for granted. We know we deserve better, but don't take the steps to find something better. I urge you today to be like LeBron, remember the good times, but don't be afraid to step out and make new ones with a new team. A new team could be a new city, a new job, a new life, a new relationship, you name it. You deserve to be treated at your worth.

Sometimes is takes the right combination to bring out the best in you. It may take a major step of faith on your behalf. You cannot sit back and believe something will happen without actually moving in the direction of it. If you believe God is telling you to make a career change, don't busy yourself with all of the details, keep praying for the right connection and the rest will fall into place. If you believe God for that husband/wife, don't get caught up in what you experienced in the past or even small imperfections, trust God for the right person to be placed in your path. When you totally surrender to God, your past will be just that, a thing of the past. You will be driving away into your destiny, looking at all the "nay-sayers" in the rear view mirrors.

Be like LeBron, throw on your shades, suit up for the game called life, and be ready to give your all. They will miss you when you're gone, but imagine all the new things that are ahead. They can all be yours if you merely believe. You deserve it!

They miss me everyday as I keep walking further away....

-Mel