Cheers to Friends

People come in and out of our lives. Sometimes they stay awhile and sometimes they are companions who stick with you throughout your journey… this thing we call life. I’ve had the best of friends, people who bring out the good in me. However, my life has also been peopled by ‘friends’ who bring out the bad in me.

Pic from Google Images

I find this somewhat disturbing. It prickles my conscience because it is said we recognize in others the traits that are present in ourselves—even if we aren’t conscious of their presence.

The traits you dislike in another person are actually traits you hate in yourself!  So think about that friend who is mean, has a constant need to criticize other people and goes out of her way to be spiteful. I know someone like this (but she does have positive qualities, too). Although she’s now out of my life, I’m using the knowledge I've gained to learn about myself and be a better person.

Sometimes, for no apparent reason, friends just slip away from your life. I used to feel guilty about not keeping in touch with friends but the poem below eased some of my disquiet. Perhaps not all our friends are meant to share our journey.

My oldest friends from school: Vera, Stella, me, Irene

“Reason, Season, Lifetime”
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.When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

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.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Author unknown