A Reason. A Season. A Lifetime.

As much as we hate to admit it to ourselves, we are weak. We do the wrong things, we make the wrong choices, we date the wrong people, we mess up friendships, we start fights with people who are important to us, we are prideful and afraid to admit fear, defeat, and regret. Ultimately, we screw up. Fortunately, there exists this little thing called forgiveness. We can choose to forgive those who have wronged us and we can choose to forgive ourselves for the things we have done toward others. Without forgiveness and repentance to the one who saves, we are nothing. However, because of this process and opportunity, we can be granted with hope, peace, and strength to encounter what lies ahead.

Sometimes it is hard to accept that a situation, relationship, or friendship is over. However, once we realize the purpose of the encounter, we can finally move on with feelings of finality and peace. Some people may come into our lives for a reason; to teach us a lesson, to help us through trials, or to guide us to truth and happiness. These individuals might support us through struggles, encourage us through change, or push us to become something greater than our present. When this reason is accomplished, the connection may fade and disintegrate, but we can realize the lessons that have emerged because of this experience, and walk away from it.

Some may come for a season; whether it be a semester, a year, or more. These individuals often know us so deeply that a bond occurs; one which can lead to eternal happiness, friendship, and joy. However, if this bond isn't nourished, nurtured, and replenished, it may weaken and break. We hope that these situations will end up positively, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Ties are severed, and often times, irreparable. Fortunately, after time and healing, there can be peace. Once we are in a place where we can realize the purpose for the season, we can begin to close this particular chapter and start anew. Some relationships go full circle, from start to end, with so much in between that we never forget the experience we have had. We put our memories and experiences in a box, and store them away forever. In many years down the road, we may open up that box and remember the times we shared learning, growing, and developing into something greater

Sometimes a person may come into our lives for a lifetime. With these individuals, times may get extremely tough. We might become angry, bitter, and mean. We might feel as though the relationship is dead. However, it always comes back. Forgiveness rebuilds from the rubble and creates something more beautiful than before. As a phoenix is recreated from it's ashes, we too may spur development of a new creation. A friendship may become deeper, a partnership may become fuller, re-energized by strength, purpose, and motivation. Hate, bitterness, and resentment transform into trust, confidence, and love. These occurrences and individuals bring forth purpose into our lives and create in us a new individual. And these situations reintroduce us to the experiences and commitments that demand and deserve time in our lives. 

This perspective sometimes may seem like it may never come. These relationships may seem as though they not producing fruit. But it will come. Be it something that comes quickly, or something which takes time to develop, it will come. The purpose will come to light, and the situation will prove to be meaningful. And when this time comes, we will walk talker, walk stronger, and walk with a renewed purpose in all that we know, are, and may become.

Until Next Time.