The Seasons of Relationship

Last night, I encountered someone from my past on Facebook. I know you're thinking, "Well, duh! Isn't that what Facebook is for?" Yes, indeed, Facebook is a great connection tool for those you wish to keep up with. But what happens when you don't want to rekindle that relationship?

A couple years ago, I worked on a broadcast program with Dr. Archibald Hart regarding social media and technology. He said all relationships go through seasons. Some last longer than others, of course. Some friendships are meant to die. But with the appearance of social media sites, we can extend the length of those unhealthier relationships.

I am friends with people I adore. I'm friends with people from my past and my present. But honestly, some of those connections aren't positive. Sure, I see the occasional status update of someone I graduated with, or the picture of an acquaintance I've made, but do I really need to?

And I'm certain there are people on the other side of the equation. When I try to friend them, they groan internally. I'd like to think that's not the case, but I know I'm not the bee's knees to everyone out there.

For my work, I just finished a great book titled I'm Happy For You...Sort Of...Not Really by Kay Wyma. She writes about how we compare ourselves constantly and how social media has really upped that game. (It's a really good read. I recommend it to my non-fiction reading friends.) Since then. I haven't been scrolling through my newsfeed like a crazy stalker fiend. I've glanced at the first few, liked a couple things, but in a more meaningful and intentional way, I've gone to my closer friends' pages to see what's going on. And that's been the trick for me. No longer do I get that pit in my stomach when I see other people doing amazing things. I don't feel guilty about my kids not doing dance lessons or getting a black belt in taekwondo. I'm finding contentment in what I have and who I have it with.

It's really hard to let go, but sometimes we're called to release those people we've held onto for so long. And that's okay. New people come and enrich our lives in ways we can't even imagine. We grow, learn, teach, thrive, and cherish. Seasons change, as do friendships. I am most grateful for the people I have in my life at this moment.

I am blessed.

Be encouraged today. Find contentment and light in those you love. And those who are disconnected, say a word of thanks for them and let them go. If they are true friends, they will return.