A season, A reason, A lifetime…

seasons come and go, so do people

I believe people are in our lives for a season, a reason or for a lifetime. This is why there is wisdom in knowing when a relationship is over and being careful not to keep a relationship that has passed its expiration date could be disastrous.

Sometimes God gives us a heads up, so we know when to quit a relationship on a good note. I had a dream months ago about a friend, it was very vivid and I still remember most of the details. I thought it was something I could change with a few words of prayers, but now I know it was a heads up on what was bound to happen – for my benefit, so I’m not emotionally wounded when it does.

Today I had a conversation with my friend and my heart broke as it dawned on me that or relationship had gone sour because I’d held on to it longer than I should have. Things that had never been an issue before had led to guilt, disappointment, unnecessary insults – things totally out of character for us both. It almost seemed like we don’t know each other and the situation had brought out the worst in us. I’m currently mourning that relationship with a broken heart.

stop and ask yourself, 'why is this person in my life?'

While I was at uni, I thought a lot of people in my life were keepers. We were so close and we had such a bond and such a huge impact on one another’s lives I really thought we’d be friends forever (cheese alert. BFF sturves) Looks like God had plans for each of us and our paths did not converge. We’re still friends now, but more like special life moment friends, weddings, funerals, the birth of our children etc. as opposed to everyday people.  And you know what that’s cool. We still love each other but the season of our closeness is over.

I think of amazing people  in my life, and I know for a fact that our friendship – close as it is, has a short shelf life. I know I’m in their lives for a reason, some are there as a sort of test of faith, others are an assignment, and others are there to teach me important things I need to learn for the season ahead.  It’s sad knowing my time with them is up, but I’m ready for the farewell and as much as I love them I know it’s best to let them go than to risk making a sweet thing go sour.

It’s tragic when you make permanent something that should be temporary. And even more depressing the other way round. Imagine cutting a sister or parent out of your life! They weren’t taken away, you rejected them.

It’s unfortunate that most times it hurts more when one is offended by a family member, but it should also be easier to love and forgive them. I’ve seen and heard of family members thinking the worst of one another and doing things against one another in spite of the love they feel. Yet these are relationships that should last forever, but they are incredibly difficult to manage.

Family members are easy to take for granted, but sometimes we miss the best of one another because we don’t invest enough in these relationships. I’m determined to love my family more.

Relationships that should last a lifetime are the most delicate yet the most neglected. I’ve always wondered why? Who stands to gain from broken homes, failed marriages and strained relationships between siblings, or between children and their parents?

 

 

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