Many times when relationships come to an end, there is usually some bitterness or sadness on one side or the other. Not often does one side or the other say, “Thank you for the time we had together.” There always seems to be a reason for someone to be upset.
There are also relationships that are sad in a positive way, if that makes any sense at all. For instance, in my business of helping people buy and sell homes I engage in a relationship with a buyer or seller usually for a brief period of time. It could be forty-five to sixty days or so. During that period I obviously get to know my client at a deeper level. On the day of settlement the relationship changes to some extent. I won’t be talking to my client as much on a day to day basis. I will however stay in touch. As they say in my business “clients for life”. The point is, the season changes.
There are seasons for parenting as well. We might send our children off to college for instance. They have been living with us for so many years, then one day our children leave home to go to school, establish themselves or in some unfortunate cases, are asked to leave. It could be heartbreaking the day they leave but we know it’s for the better. That season of life has changed.
There are seasons in our working career, where we go from one company to another. I recently left RE/MAX for Keller Williams Realty. After spending almost twelve years at RE/MAX, I thought it was time for a change. A new season in my career has begun. It was sad to leave the former company but exciting to start fresh. I am so grateful for the twelve years I spent at RE/MAX. There were some close friends I left behind and not seeing them everyday has been quite a change. But now there are new friendships that come with this venture that I am looking forward to establishing.
As our kids graduate from elementary school, I realize, we probably will not be gathering with the same group of parents as frequently as we have for the last eight years or so. That season of friendships isn’t ending but it is changing. Will we be sad to see it change? Certainly! But I am grateful for the good years and times we have spent together.
I know there will come a day when my children will leave home whether it’s for work, school, or independence. I will encourage them to go to college away from home. Not because I want them out of my hair, but because I want them to have the opportunity to grow as I did when I left my house in August of 1987 to attend school at F.A.U. in Boca Raton, Florida. It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Although I know that it will be or could be one of the hardest days of my life, I know it will be for their own good. That season will be here one day, but for now I am grateful for the time I have with my children to watch them develop into who God wants them to be.
Seasons are meant to change!
Until next time my friends….