Throughout our lives we will have many relationships with people. Some of these relationships are like candles in the wind. They are strong at first, keeping us warm in friendship , and helping to light our way, but after awhile the relationship burns out. I can think of many people in my life who, at the time, were a constant source of encouragement, joy and friendship, but for a variety of reasons, we went our own way and lost contact. Our lives intertwined for only a fraction but those relationships had an influence in who I am today.
What do you do, or feel when someone wants to leave a relationship with you? Natural feelings of betrayal, hurt, confusion, and maybe even guilt come flooding through your mind. Questions of why? Questions of what did I do and how can I resolve this situation? Honestly examine the relationship. Were you an honest, fair, and loving partner in this relationship? If so, let that person go. There is nothing more you can do. There is no use in beating yourself up with guilt. Sometimes people feel drawn toward another path in life and we must allow them to explore other options. The saying, ” If you love someone let them go, if they come back, they are yours; if they don’t, they never were, ” makes a good point but letting go can hurt. What do you do with the hurt of letting go? You remember the good times, you mourn the unshared moments, cry a little or a lot, and then you keep going down your own path. Be true to who you are and to your own goals in life.
I believe that people are in our lives sometimes for only a season. Throughout that season, we learn from them, gain strength from them, experience joy with them, cry with them, and , yes, sometimes even fall in love. Some seasons are longer than others but if it comes to an end , look back with no regrets. Realize that just like you, that person has a their own path to travel. Be thankful for your journey together and let them go.
But the Lord says,” Do not cling to events of the past or what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already-you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. Isaiah 43:18-19
