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NOTE: I’ve gotten this essay a number of times in the past few years from a number of different people. After requesting information about the source of this piece, I was contacted by the author, Misty Hall. I have included her essay in the Articles section of my site because I find that I take comfort in its message, particularly during times of loss or change. My most sincere appreciation to Misty for her permission to share this material with my site visitors.

A Reason, a Season or a Lifetime

by Misty Hall

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 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.

NOTE: The emails conclude with the following sentence: “Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.” And then they request that the message be forwarded. Since I don’t generally forward emails, I am posting this message here to reach whoever needs to find it.

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