Gratitude for Friends
Do you express your gratitude for the people that surround you? I am talking about people you may live with (friends, family, roommates, whatever your situation is), people with whom you work, school mates, peers, neighbors, and anyone else with whom you may come in contact.
The following phrase came to me via difference sources a few times this week. When a phrase like this pops up like that, I take notice of it!
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.
Whatever the reasons, Express your gratitude to this person – you will surely appreciate them at some point.
When someone comes into your life for a reason, you have something that needs to be learned or have a need that is unmet. This person may be here to help you learn a lesson in dealing with difficult people, or how to deal
with happiness. It may be physical, spiritual, or emotional help. Once the task has completed, you part ways with him or her.
When someone comes into your life for a season, it for similar factors as those that come into your life for a reason, but it is more long term. Your understanding may take longer to solidify or your levels of joy need to be elevated by this person for a longer than expected time frame. The lesson being experienced may need to be present for a particularly long period time.
A person who comes into your life for a lifetime will usually be there for emotionally or spiritually uplifting reasons. You will feel joy and happiness, but this will be accompanied by sorrow and longing. A lifetime friend will see you through thick and thin. Good and bad. You will have a very close connection with this person.
As you can see, each one of these, Reason, Season, and Lifetime each have a special place for someone. Be grateful for these people and enjoy the journey.
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
I have a group of friends, some from kindergarten, and most from high school, and I am now a senior citizen. We had gone our separate ways and about 5 years ago, two of them planned a get together and 10 of us showed up. Mind you, it had been 20 years since we had seen one another! It was like we never missed a beat. We laughed, we cried and we shared. Our group is now up to 19, and it matters not if we see one another every month or 6 months, when we are together it is like old times. The good times have certainly overshadowed the sad times and we are grateful for one another and the strength we have as a group. These are definitely friends who came into my life for a reason and have stayed for a lifetime.
Great post Paul, I really agree that all who enter our lives provide something for us. We learn from everyone we meet. Be grateful for their presence.
Be Well
Bill