There is a saying, “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.”
I never liked this saying because people often misquote it, “People come into your life for a reason, and a season.” This sentiment makes it easy for people to use each other. You go into a relationship, connection, or friendship with the thought that it is temporary, one-sided and is to be disposed of the minute that you perceive that you are not receiving anything out of it.
How many lifelong friendships have you thrown away because you go into a situation thinking this person is only for a reason or season. If someone was instrumental in, you getting through a difficult time in your life or was the reason that you were able to accomplish something; why would you end the connection? What if you were the one that should have been giving, or was placed in that person’s life to help them?
I understand that connections, friendships, and relationships change; but why do they need to end? I have people that I no longer work with but, they mean as much to me as they did when I saw them every day. I may never see them again, but I will never throw them away. They are people that I will reach out to from time to time to say hello, wish them happy birthday, or just check in to see how they are doing.
I knew someone that misquoted this saying all the time, and sure enough when she no longer had a reason to stay connected our association was over. What if she had misjudged the timing, what if there was more that our association could have offered her? What if it was her time to give instead of take?
The next time you are tempted to throw a friendship, or an association away remember there is another saying, “Don’t burn bridges.” You never know who you might need in the future.
Comments