The Ship of Relating: Bearing Witness to a Life That Matters
Imagine sitting on a quiet porch, looking out at the horizon as the sun sets. The golden light stretches across the sky, signaling the closing of a day—but in reality, it’s the sunset of your life. As you reflect, the question lingers: Did my life matter? In one version of this moment, a profound peace washes over you because someone was there—someone who bore witness to your struggles, your victories, your laughter, and your tears. They walked the journey with you, affirming that every moment counted. The joys were doubled, the burdens halved and your actions counting all because you dared to love. But in another version, the silence is deafening. The events of your life, however grand or tragic, went uncelebrated. There was no one who truly saw you, no one to say, “You mattered.” A life unobserved, unshared, can feel like a story never told—a legacy never written. A love never risked or rewarded. Which version will be yours?
Bearing Witness: The Heart of Relationship
In the film Shall We Dance?, Susan Sarandon’s character, Beverly, articulates one of the most profound truths about marriage and relationships:
“We need a witness to our lives. There are a billion people on the planet… I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things… all of it, all the time, every day. You’re saying ‘Your life will not go unnoticed… because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed because I will be your witness.’”
This is the essence of what it means to be in a relationship—not just romantic relationships, but all human bonds. We exist not merely to live, but to be seen, to be known, and to be remembered. The act of bearing witness to another’s life is what makes that life significant.
The Definition of Relationship
At its core, the word “relationship” is the fusion of two profound concepts: “relation” and “ship.” “Relation” signifies the way in which two or more things are connected, while “ship,” derived from Old English “-scipe,” denotes a state or condition of being. When put together, “relationship” becomes a vessel—an active, dynamic journey in which we navigate the waters of human connection, steering our way through calm seas and turbulent storms alike.
To be in a relationship is to embark on a voyage of interconnection, where we tether ourselves to another—be it a spouse, a friend, a belief, or even an idea. It is in this act of relating that we find meaning, purpose, and perhaps the greatest human necessity: bearing witness to one another’s existence.
A Divine Design for Connection
From the very beginning, God ordained relationship as the foundation of human existence. In Genesis 2:18, the Lord declared:
“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Adam was whole, yet incomplete. God, in His infinite wisdom, did not create another man, nor did He leave Adam to his own devices. Instead, He created Eve—the pinnacle of His creation—not only as a partner but as one who would bear witness to Adam’s existence, and he to hers. This was not just about companionship; it was also about significance. Eve’s very presence testified to Adam’s life, purpose, and divine calling.
Even beyond marriage, scripture emphasizes the necessity of relationships. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
We were never meant to go through life alone. Relationships are the divine threads that weave together the tapestry of our lives, creating a rich and intricate design that glorifies the Creator Himself.
The Currency of Life: Investing in Relationships
In the economy of existence, relationships are the most valuable currency we possess. Tony Robbins famously said, “The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.” This simple yet profound truth reminds us that no amount of wealth, success, or accolades can replace the fulfillment found in deep, meaningful connections.
Jim Rohn echoed this sentiment when he said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Our relationships shape our destiny, influence our decisions, and define our legacy. Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.
Theologians, Psychologists, Addiction Counselors, and Philosophers all agree that when a person is cutoff from significant, meaningful, and loving relationships they die… they abuse themselves and others… they suffer… they fall into disorder and suffer as they fail to thrive.
Relating Beyond People: A Universal Principle
The psychology of relationships extends beyond human connection. The way we relate to money, to ourselves, to our worldview, and to God all determine the trajectory of our lives. Do we see money as a tool or a tyrant? Do we view ourselves with love or loathing? Do we relate to God as a distant deity or as a loving Father?
Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” The way we relate to anything—be it our faith, our finances, or our sense of self—ultimately shapes who we become.
Leaving a Legacy: The Power of Witnessing
A great spouse, a devoted friend, or a close confidant does more than accompany you on the journey of life. They remind you that you matter. That your victories are worth celebrating, your failures worth redeeming, and your struggles worth overcoming. They hold up a mirror, reflecting the truth of who you are and who you are becoming.
A legacy is not built on solitary achievements but on the echoes of our interactions, the seeds we plant in the lives of others. True success is found in the stories told about us when we are gone, the lives we touched, and the witnesses who stand to testify that we lived well.
Conclusion: The Call to Invest in Relationships
Relationships are not just a part of life; they are life. To love, to connect, and to bear witness to each other’s journey is the highest calling we have. The question is not whether we will relate, but how deeply, intentionally, and beautifully we will do so.
If you want a better life, invest in better relationships. Be the witness to someone else’s story. Love them, honor them, and remind them that their life matters. Because at the end of it all, it’s not the things we accumulate, but the people we love and the love we receive that will stand the test of time.
Discover the Power of Relationship Coaching
If relationships are the most important witness to the fact that your life matters, then how you relate to the world, to pain and hardships, and to one another should be a top priority. Relationship coaching is the key to unlocking deeper connections, greater self-awareness, and a more fulfilling life.
When you invest in coaching, you invest in the very fabric of your existence. Whether you struggle with personal relationships, professional dynamics, or your relationship with yourself, coaching provides the tools to transform how you connect with the world.
Take the next step in investing in the relationships that define your life. Visit www.keithmwaggoner.com and begin your journey toward more meaningful, intentional, and fulfilling connections today.