Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Reason, Season or Lifetime: 10 Friendships to Nurture


You may have read this timeless saying about friendship many times without giving it any thought:


"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.



When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. 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."


--Author Unknown

But how do you know? When you meet someone and hit it off, how do you know if this friend is in your life for a reason, season or lifetime? 

It may seem like you've known someone you meet forever. You have so much in common and become fast friends. Fast forward a year or two and something happens. Maybe it's something you said or maybe you just drifted apart. 

You really don't know from the first meeting if a friendship will stand the test of time. So what should you do? Should you invest time and energy into every new friendship? Only nurture old friendships and hope for the best?  

Most people take the time to build and strengthen the relationship with a spouse or partner. Here are 10 additional friendships to nurture through thick and thin. You won't regret investing time in these friendships.

God. He created you in His image for a reason. He walks beside you in the best of times and carries you in the worst of times. Honor God in everything you say and do.

Yourself. It's impossible to love others if you don't first love yourself. Let the internal voice you speak to yourself be kind and nurturing.

Your Mom. Mitch Albom said, "Behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin." There's no love like a mother's love.

Your Dad. A dad is his son's first hero and his daughter's first love. A father's love is eternal and everlasting.

Your Siblings. Nobody truly understands you the way your siblings do. Let your shared memories create a future filled with laughter and love.

Your Children. Khalil Gibran wrote, "You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth." Love and support the children they are and the adults they become.

Your Pastor or Spiritual Adviser. In every life, there are challenges and struggles. Your pastor or spiritual adviser offers encouragement and guidance through life's trials.

Someone Who Understands. As you grow and change in life, reach out to others who have walked the same path. A friend who understands what you're going through is a treasure.

Your Mentor. A mentor is defined as "an experienced and trusted adviser." A mentor sees the your skills and weaknesses and helps you become the person you were meant to be. 

Your Best Friend. Henry Ford said, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." A best friend laughs with you, cries with you and accepts you.

Make time in your busy life to build relationships. Share time with family and friends. Whether for a reason, season or lifetime, when you give your time, you give the best part of yourself. 

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