Reason, Season or Lifetime?

 ​If you know me you are aware, one of my favorite poems is, “People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do….” – Brian A Chalker

This is quite evident when you attend a funeral, as I did this week. A friend’s mother was called home after 98 years, 11 kids, 2 marriages, 25 or so grandkids and over 50 great grandchildren. Her eulogies, given by 2 grandsons that happen to become priests, described beautifully how this amazing woman touched lives. And still was, as I felt moved. From my friend saying, she made every one of her children feel like they were the only one, to the comments of what an impact she had on the staff at the nursing home, and so much in between. It was obvious the depth this poem rang true. And perhaps you start to reflect on your own life.

Passionate about connecting, once you come into my life and I feel a relationship, I can logically accept it may be a reason or season. My heart, however, will hold you in it. For as long as you allow me to, or the rarity my heart is broken. Though sometimes challenging, ultimately, I feel blessed by this character trait. (Some may say flaw.) I am truly grateful for the how and why of our lives touching and thus say so out loud while I can.

Exactly what are we meant to do, though? A dear friend once said to me, “relationships are simply transactions”. Which does sort of sum up the poem as well. Originally taking a perspective this was a bit sad, I now embrace the truth it holds. Reimagining…We must choose those part of our day to day life. Significant to what we need or are doing presently. A reason? If a person is not relevant in the moment, there is only so much time and attention to give, it is not personal. A season? If we can fill one hand of those that time is never lost with, able to pick up as though it was yesterday. Or have an enduring, unconditional acceptance despite anything each other does. A blessing for a lifetime?  

And at the end, when your life is being celebrated, the gathering of these different transactions may come together to remember how you affected their life; reason, season or lifetime.  What is possible is ”...People will remember how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou. 

If you can add to this post, please comment and or follow ReImagine Possibilities., Inc.

---