Life is a facinating thing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. In a recent turn of events, I have reconnected today with a friend I thought was long since lost. I am impressed by MySpace's ability to reconnect those that otherwise may have never crossed paths again, and in reviewing the reconnections I have made, I began to contemplate my life.
About a year ago, my neighbor was over at my house, and we were discussing life and relationships. I mentioned the path that my life took to get me to where I am today, and she told me something that I will forever hold to be among the most valuable things someone has shared with me - "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime." Such simple words made such a significant impact on my life. After hearing that, I spent the next couple of days, maybe even a week, looking back over those that played a significant role in my life - both good and bad. I thought of those that I had been sad to see go, those that I had fought to keep, and those that I had been trying to get rid of for a long time. I reviewed the purpose that each had for my life, and determined which they seemed to be - a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Those that were hardest to let go of, but also seemed impossible to get back, I realized were not a lifelong friend - but that their significance in my life meant that they were brought into it, even if for a short time, for some sort of purpose. Looking back on the stages that I was in during these encounters, it is interesting that I can not remember the perils of my life at those points, but what stands out is the significant role that each of these people played during those perils. While they may not be a part of my life anymore, those moments, no matter how short or how long, have touched my life in ways that they may never know and for that I am grateful.
Thinking back over the course of the past few years, I have also thought of the paths that my life has taken. While my feelings over trials and tribulations that I experience may have left a bitter taste in my mouth, I also understand that those experiences were necessary - not only for the sheer lesson I may have learned, but also for those that needed to come into my life - whether it be for that reason, season, or to become a part of my lifetime.
For example, despite the negative turn of events that caused me to end my career at Wet 'n Wild, if it wasn't for the three years I spent there, I would not have made the connections and friendships that I have over the years.
Exhibit A: Melissa. Melissa and I met in college, in Dr. Lewis's history class. I sat near her on my first day of class. We chatted a bit, but what broke the ice? The fact that both of us had/did work for Wet 'n Wild, and knew the same people. We chatted for a long time about the place, and began a friendship that has transcended through so many things.
Exhibit B: Ben. Had I not have been employed by the water park, and had I not have handled the printing for the company, I likely would not have gotten to know Ben. If it wasn't for that responsibility being placed on my shoulders, things may have ended up differently today. But instead, the course that my life took, led me to my husband, and for that, I can not be upset.
Exhibit C: Ian. For what began as a silly acquantienceship, it turned into a sincere friendship, one of which I am grateful for. Had I not have been forced to work late hours, and go to the dingy, dirty warehouse, we may have never connected. Had the other coordinator not quit that summer that I worked 7 days a week, every week, I may not have worked the night shifts that allowed us the time to get to know each other.
The list could go on and on. I have made more valuable friendships from my few years within that place that I have made in my entire childhood. I have a stronger, better connection with those that have crossed my path, if even for the shortest time, than those that have known me since my youngest years.
Now, here's what befuddles me - what role does MySpace play in all this? If people are to come into your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime, how does that all change now that the internet, and things such as MySpace, have come into play? Do reasons and seasons cease to exist? Will all friendships become lifelong? Or will this all fade like every other fad, and we will continue to fade in and out of each other's lives, in a similar fashion to before?
I believe that all things in life happen for a reason. And while often, things happen that are not among those that we are looking for, or even want, they are still significant in our lives. So, as I face the challenges and perils that life throws my way, I can't help but look at them and wonder - what is this all for? How does this effect my future? Does this hold any significance to the past? Who am I a reason to? A season? A lifetime?
"To every season, turn, turn, turn. There is a reason, turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose, under heaven."
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