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Time for Everything

I used to really, really dislike the analogy that some people come into our lives just for a reason or a season not everyone is meant to stay in our lives. Then, others are meant to spend a lifetime with us. My thoughts run rapid: Why can’t everyone we love share a lifetime with us? Why do some of the people we care about drift away? Is it really God’s will that we loose connections with friends we used to share our greatest secrets with, and our fondest memories are with them? Yet, this is what God’s word says:
1 To everything there is a season,
      A time for every purpose under heaven:
       2 A time to be born,
And a time to die;
      A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
       3 A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
      A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

I heard from an old friend yesterday. This friend and I have known each other most of our lives. We’re the same age separated by less than four months. Our parents coached our little league teams together. Her big sister is like my big sister. I love every member of her family. Anytime we meet up no matter how long it has been it is like we were never apart. 

We were a grade apart in school. With an entire grade and friends separating us we didn’t really get to spend that much time together until middle school and high school. (Ah, the awkward years followed by the ‘glory days’, when grades don’t separate you as much as school sports, clubs, and clicks do.) God blessed me with the company of this friend as we attended the same college as well as through our young adult lives. There have been times when we talked to each other a lot and other times when one or both of us has been hurt by the other. (God provides mercy and grace to us which allows us to show grace to those who have hurt us. All we have to do is ask!) I am sure we have both had times where we thought that we really need to check on the other.
I was so thrilled to hear from my friend yesterday in a supportive text message. Yep, she took time out of her busy day to send an encouragement to me. I don’t just mean she is busy with the ho-hum of every day life. My friend is in a ‘busy season’ of life as a second year teacher and an engaged woman. Still, she made time to support me. She mentioned she was visiting this blog. Thanks to her and all of my friends who stop by and read this. (Psst….you should leave a comment!) I am sure we all have friends in different seasons of life – joyful seasons, trying seasons, sad seasons, and unsure seasons. I bet more than one could use a shout out! Who can you love on and support today?

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

I am so thankful God provides us with friends. He hand picks people to come in and out of our lives. No matter how long my friend and I stay up to date on each other this time, I am so thankful God provided me with this unique friendship. Wonderful friends and every season of life – add those to the list of all that our amazing God provides!

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