People in my Life.

I received an email recently that got me thinking about my current and past relationships/friendships... and actually brought me comfort as I thought about the many people who have come in and out of my life and touched my heart; some even for the briefest of moments (who I personally have not met except through the internet).

This email is a reminder that, God, in His sovereignty, brings people in and out of our lives for His specific purposes, and He uses you and me in others' lives in the same way. I am SO THANKFUL for each and every person God has allowed me to cross paths with and connect with no matter the length on time...

Here's the e-mail: (Thanks Milda for sending it!)

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person and appreciate the relationship for what it is.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed (either through prayer to God or from the yearnings of your heart). They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance, support and strength, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They are a Godsend. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then at a point, they are gone; this person is no longer a part of your life. Sometimes they move away with intentions to stay in touch, but they don't; the relationship fades and no longer exists. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. There are many things that happen to disconnect this relationship, but what ever the circumstance, their work is done and they have touched your life for a specific reason or purpose, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON. Your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh in the specific stage of life you're in; you can relate easily to each other because of so many commonalities. They may teach you something you have never known or 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. Lifetime people are the essence of family; these people love and give of themselves from beginning to end. Lifetime people are rooted deep in your life and no "storm of life" or circumstance can uproot your connection with this person. Thank you for being a part of my life. . . whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime, or all three bundled in one!


Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being my LIFETIME person and BFF! Thank you for bringing people in my life that have taught me, challenged me, encouraged me, and touched my heart. As I reflect on each person in my life, past and present, I see your hand prints all over the circumstances of them being in my life. Many of my "reason friends" have turned into "season friends", turning into "lifetime friends"; it is by Your will and doing I have been blessed with the many different relationships I have. As time goes forward, please help me recognize opportunities You present to connect with people, and ways to make a difference in others' lives, reflecting Your Spirit that is in me; whether it's for a "reason", "season", or "lifetime", I want to glorify your name and magnify your love towards the people in my life. In Your precious Name I pray~ Amen.