A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime

I know everyone is familiar with the saying, "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime". I understood what a lifetime meant, but I wasn't sure what a reason nor a season meant in regard to relationships. A little bit of research and here I am sharing what I have learned.    

When someone is in your life for a "Reason", it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They are a "godsend" to you. They will help you through a difficulty; guide and support you. They take care of you physically, emotionally or spiritually. Without any wrongdoing on your part, this person will say or do something to bring that relationship to an end. What we have to understand is that our need has been met, their work is done. Your prayer has been answered, and it is time to move on. 

When a person comes into your life for a "Season" it is because it is your turn to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace and make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They give you an unbelievable amount of joy. But only for a season. 

Then there are the people that come into your life for a "Lifetime". These people teach us lifetime lessons. 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. 

When I reflect on my life, I realize that most people have come into my life for a reason. No one is spared having difficulties in life. We manage to get through those difficulties because we have reason people there to help us. I have a long list of people that have come in and out of my life for a reason. I am not sure how things would have turned out for me without them. 

I also reflect on the people that came into my life for a season. Spending time with a season person creates an upbeat conversation about life, they are always fun to be with. They make me feel good about myself and bring out the best in me. Season people are like the saying, "all good things must come to an end". Simply put, the season is over.  

People that are in my life for a lifetime are the people that I know will always be there for me. Out of the blue, lifetime friends, call, text or show up just when I need them. Even though I may go long periods between seeing lifetime people, we just pick up where we left off. It is just an unspoken fact, we are in this together, forever.

I have come to understand that we have no way of knowing how we impact others. We have all been a reason or a season to others. Many times, we are unaware we are even making a difference in someone else's life. We are a lifetime friend, and we have friends for a lifetime. It is comforting to know that someone is with you, no matter what. I have always felt that you only need one good friend, more are what I call, bonus friends. Every person that crosses our paths teaches us a lesson; it is what we learn from the lesson that is life changing.