Reason, Season, Lifetime….

We have all heard the poem or some variant of it… you know the one… people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  Here it is just in case:

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each 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 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 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 in order 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.

— Unknown

 Interestingly enough this blog post was set out to be something totally different.  I had intended on relaying the hurt I feel based on some of the people I have recently stopped associating myself with.  Many of whom I have called friend for quite some time.  After re-reading the poem above I have an entirely new outlook on the situations…  I guess I took for granted that these individuals were Lifetimers… never considering that in fact they were reasons or seasons.  I am grateful for knowing them… Some taught me lessons that I wish I didn’t have to learn but glad I did never the less… some taught me beautiful things.  A couple taught me that I deserve more and one taught me that it’s not all about me.  So I thank them for the lessons, the wonderful memories and even the pain…   I remain appreciative for the lifetimers…. All the lessons have made me a better person, a better friend and a happier individual…

Although on occasion I lament the absence of some I continue to look forward to new beginnings… always anticipating the new reason, the new season and the new lifetime….