a reason, a season or a lifetime‏

People are always coming and going, in and out of everyone's life.  Next week, my father will be coming home.  He's a seaman, working for a Japanese merchant.  He's been gone for, I think, a year or more.  It has always been this way ever since I was a kid and it's a big occasion when he comes home.  My mother's really busy right now, shopping and cleaning the house.  We can't wait to see him.

Some people are going-- six months abroad.  A few friends got onshore assignments and will soon be working with our US counterparts.  We had a little party for them yesterday.  There are also some people that are going-- permanently, leaving the company a few weeks from now. Lunchtime will be a lot quieter when they're all gone.

I remember this email I got a few years back. I don't know who wrote it but l just want to share it with you.

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,
t
o 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.

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