I once heard a poem about how “people are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime”. When I was in elementary school, my best friend moved away and practically vanished from my life. I was in second grade, but I understood their poor living conditions and their struggle with financial situations. I still don’t know what ever happened, but I worried endlessly about my friend. It was then that my mom comforted me with this poem for the first time, and I’ve held it close to my heart ever since.
People come into your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do with that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty… To provide you with guidance and support… To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually… They may seem like they are a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die… Sometimes they walk away… Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand…. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled… Their work is done. The prayer you sent up has now been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons. Things you must build upon to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind, but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life… Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime
~ Unknown author
In all the years of my life, I’ve been in so many beautiful friendships and relationships. Looking back on many of these relationships has taught me so much, and I keep all of these valuable lessons close to my heart.
There are many friends that I’ve had at one point in time that I no longer have. Despite however difficult the falling-out was, I always reflect on the beautiful moments we shared; laughing hysterically at 2 am, showing up at each other’s doorstep with major comfort food after a bad breakup, dying each other’s hair, and just living life in the happiest moments. Those moments with the people who left my life after just a reason are simply unforgettable, and I don’t regret a single second I spent with them. They helped me through the toughest parts of my life, and for that I am so very indebted. God’s grace shone through those friendships, and parts of them still shine brightly within my heart.
There have been other instances where I had a person placed in my life for a reason. The second time I was reminded of this poem was when my mother’s boyfriend passed away from cancer. I was still relatively young, so I don’t remember the extent of it. However, I remember him being one of the most amazing, loving and joyful people I’ve ever met. He made my mom so happy, and brightened the lives of my brother and myself. When he passed, I remember the impact it had on my mother, but I can recall how incredibly strong my mother was and how she told me once more “people come into your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime.”
I’ve only had two serious relationships, but both were quite different from each other. One lasted for half a year, while the other lasted for a year and a half. Like my friendships, I don’t regret a second of the time spent in such a beautiful euphoria. However, there were many qualities in both situations that taught me a lot about myself, about what not to do and what to look for and value in an intimate relationship. Both of my boyfriends were obviously in different walks in their faith than I was, and though that isn’t a negative aspect, it wasn’t what I needed.
Breakups are never an easy thing to deal with. Both times I struggled, one WAY more than the other. However, this was when I really built myself up as an individual and strengthened my bond with Jesus Christ. He was the one I really needed, and He was just the type of guy I needed; with me every step of the way to comfort and carry me. Though they only stayed for what seemed like a season, I grew and learned and loved. I’m no longer bitter because I know that it’s just God’s way of telling me “not now, not this person.”
Then there are those put into your life for a lifetime, and those are the people that truly have the largest impact on your life. For me, that would be all of my parental figures; step or not. My mother has always been my best friend, and she has always given me the best advice through any problem I may come to face. My father has raised me as a strong Christian, and still guides me through my faith. I was blessed with step-parents that I love so deeply and that keep my head set straight on my shoulders. My best friend of 12 years is practically my sister, and God set her in my life apart from all of my other friends for me to trust and love so profoundly. They all have made such a huge impact in my life, and our foundation is strong in Jesus Christ.
I’m still meeting new people that God sets in my path, and I have an excited heart that’s wide open for all to see. Just in the past month, my roommates have become my best friends and sisters, old friendships have become new, and new friendships have been created. I unquestionably know that God has marvelous things in store for these recent relationships when I’m able to walk or bike-ride around campus until 2 am just talking about the wonder and majesty and splendor of our Lord.
My excitement for the up-coming and new opportunities fill my heart with gaiety and blitheness. My God has put so many blessings in my life through people and I can't thank Him enough. I am unworthy of his unfathomable love.
This was a longer journal a lot about myself, but I’ll leave you with one of my favorite verses to give others.
"I thank God every time I think of you.” (Philippians 1:3)
For His Sake,
Kait
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