Friends & Seasons
I had a moment last week where I was feeling a bit isolated and in need of some attention. I don’t usually draw others to me like that. I usually really dislike posts that are vague but obviously directed towards someone, but I needed to express my thoughts and I was trying to convey a general feeling.
I have waves of emotion every once in awhile where I miss a time that once was.
A FB friend responded to my post and helped me come to a realization when she said:
“I have come to see that some people are given to us for a season. It does not make that gift and their importance less, just that it was for that season. Even with that, some of them have been life-changing. And then there are precious few who are for life. It really helped me to learn to be ok with the distinction.”
I realized that sometimes I have a hard time letting go of seasons of life.
But I also realized that no matter what season of life I am in and those life-long friends of mine are in, we can pick up from where we left off, no matter how long it has been since we last chatted or saw each other.
I am thankful for the opportunities I have had to live in new places, as hard as transition is for me. New places provide new relationships that help me grow as a person.
I’m also thankful for the previous seasons and the friendships that were so important at those times. They aren’t less important now, but times have changed and it’s OK that we aren’t in touch as often.
Phone calls are nice but scheduling weekly conversations becomes unrealistic with distance and life, generally. Each of those individuals still mean the world to me and if we only connect via Facebook, then we still get to share life and the memories we have together still shape me.
I am thankful to have a God who never changes and is with me in all seasons of life. I know that all of the people who have come in and out of my life have had purpose in my journey. I am thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally and has shown me that love through these friends.
