As a visionary person and one who likes to create I enjoy change. Without change there cannot be growth. But change in regard to relationships is not easy for me. My whole life has been spent leaving people I love deeply so that I can love people deeply I have not met yet. And the cycle continues of leaving those people to love new ones I have not met yet. This is my story and the life God has called my husband and I to.

I have often wondered what it would be like to live in the same city you are born in your whole life.  Sometimes I wish I could have given my children the stability of that. Or at least less moves! Last week a friend got together with a group of people she has been friends with for 20 years at her church. Wow. How awesome is that? Since marriage my family and I have had 6 major moves. I have never lived in the same place for 20 consistent years.

This week as I was ministering to someone grieving through a loss,  the Lord reminded me that many people have to let go of some relationships without a geographical move. This might be due to death, divorce, illness, busyness, unresolved conflict or a number of issues not related to a move.  I think this type of relationship loss is more painful and difficult.

God uses change and He uses pain. 25 years ago a godly woman, Maryanne Klaussen said to me: ALWAYS EMBRACE PAIN for it brings about Gods purpose in your life. Over the years I have learned this to be very true.

Last night I read a tweet by a pastor that said “This may be hard to swallow but, if they left you, you didn’t need them. If they walked away, they weren’t part of your destiny.” Some people are in your life for a season, some for a reason and a few for a lifetime. Another way of putting it is this: Some people will leave your life.  It’s not the end of your story, its the end of their part in your story.

Life is a a journey. Relationships are what make the journey worthwhile. Love those God has given to you while they are in your life. Be open to new relationships that are part of His plan for your life. The investment will be worth it.

All of life is about seasons. About windows of opportunity. About loving people. There is a time to mourn but there is also a time to press on to the new thing God has for you.