You may have heard it said that people come into your life for a reason, season, or lifetime. Broadly speaking, when people come into your life for a reason, it may mean that you are experiencing a problem or difficulty and the individual entering your life is there is help navigate the concerns that you are facing. This may not be a lasting relationship. At some point the need will have been met and the relationship severed. There need be no guilt associated. You did nothing wrong.

When people come into your life for a season, it may be that it is your turn to share, grow or learn.  Your seasonal friend may bring you the gift of peace. They may simply make you laugh or teach you something new. Your seasonal friend will bring you joy. For the season, it is real. However, as seasons come and go, seasonal acquaintances will not be permanent. Don’t feel guilt if the relationship isn’t permanent. Cherish the memories. Hold the love.

Lifetime relationships contain both elements of reason and season. Lifetime friendships are present when you need support going through a rough time. Lifetime relationships allow others to lean on your strength when they are struggling. Lifetime relationships navigate each season of friendship with patience and grace.

Perhaps it is a function of age, but I find myself reflecting on the wonderful, caring people who have helped to shape my life. There are people who by their very presence, challenge me to try a bit harder, to be more patient, to accept honest criticism, to open my mind to new ideas.

I’d like for you to do something different right now. Stop reading. Set aside whatever device you are using and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. In the stillness of the moment reflect on the persons who nurtured you to be the person you are today. Your mental list may include parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, spouse, siblings, work colleagues, childhood friend, college roommate. Take your time. It is your list.

Now, as you reflect on those persons, thank God for what each one of them has done for you. None of us reach maturity by ourselves. Everyone with whom we come in contact rubs off on us and we in turn leave something of ourselves with them. Thank God for those who have encouraged, loved, and directed you to be the person God has created you to be.

My personal list is long. Whatever positive accomplishments my life represents it is due in large measure to those who have loved, nurtured, challenged, and simply been present. To each of you, I am forever grateful.

One closing thought. I want to be that person who is present for family, friends, and even stranger. My prayer is that I will grow more loving, compassionate, understanding and forgiving. I want to walk alongside you and build lifetime relationships.

 

Peace be with you.