When you see a title like this, what do you think of? For me, I think of those who have passed in and out of my life and of those who stay. Sometimes people are a combination of a Reason and Season.
Sometimes we don’t understand the Reason people come into our lives until they’re gone. Whether by choice, death or just life, they are there for a reason. Recently I was discussing Thomas & Rick (my friends who passed away in a car accident June 14, 2016) with someone and how I had Chris meet them early in our relationship. Thomas ALWAYS knew something good was headed my way. It’s almost as if he spoke it into existence. Any way the friend I was telling the story to said, “that was Thomas’s reason for being in your life”. I stopped, thought about that and said “Thomas was in my life for many reasons, I just wish it had been longer than a “season”. I guess the reality is Thomas and Rick were a part of my life for Reasons, Seasons and a Lifetime – theirs.
I’ve lost people other ways (those there for a season or two) – without understanding why and, sometimes by my own choice. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that sometimes when someone leaves your life it’s not necessarily about you. It’s about them and what’s going on in their world. Paths can cross again, you can reconnect and move forward. These people come in and out of your life for different seasons or reasons. The “job” is to recognize and accept it (and them) for what it is; knowing full well they may disappear again. And, remembering life is just ebb and flow.
Lifetime is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re lucky, you have a good relationship with your family and near or far, you are in it for a lifetime. Friends can be the same. I’ve been blessed (I’ve mentioned my friends in other posts), that my “Lifetime” friends are just that. Some of my friends I’ve known since I was eight years old. We don’t always talk or see each other, but the affection is real and there when we do manage to connect.
In September, I received a phone call from someone I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear from again. It had been two years and I hadn’t reached out to her out of respect for someone who had been a friend of mine…and then wasn’t for whatever the reason. Talking to this woman (who I’d always considered she and her husband second parents) absolutely made my day. They have never shown anything but love and guidance to me even at my worst as a teenager. We met up in early October and it was…amazing. They both have such open and loving hearts – many could take lessons from them.
Never assume why people are in your life…or for how long. You may think it’s for a reason when it’s actually a season or a combination of the two. If you’re lucky, it’ll be a lifetime. Just remember, whatever the situation there is always a reason.
How do you see the people (friends and family) in your life? Do you eventually understand the “Reason” friends? Or do you sit and stew about why they aren’t around you anymore? The trick is to find an answer you can be at peace with.
This made me think about people I have not seen or heard from in many, many years. They have either moved on or Passed On. We don’t really ever forget them. They can stay hidden in our minds until something brings them to our thoughts. This can take us back a bit. You hit the nail on the head with the Reasons, Seasons, and Lifetimes.
Thanks – it’s something I’ve often thought about…and then finally put in writing.