For A Reason? For A Season? For A Lifetime?
Our lives are filled with relationships and each begins for a reason. There are family members, friendships developed, or even chance meetings. Whatever the reason, it has a beginning.
Many of our encounters go beyond the “reason” stage and last for some period of time. That period could range from very short to quite lengthy, so I’m referring to that period as “a season.” That period could be a day, a few days, weeks, or even years.
We are at a time right now when a “season” has been on our minds recently because of Advent and Christmas. Did we (and are we continuing to) make Jesus a part of our season? Is He the Reason for the Season(s)? Is our relationship made up of a bunch of reasons strung together? Or is it even less?
There are so many things that could detract or be distractions from the spirituality of our preparations and celebrations, that were and continue through the new year. Are we active participants in making that happen? We must work hard to keep the true focus of what Christmas means. How we define that would require much prayer to let Jesus show us how our giving and our living fit together.
How long will our celebration of the Christmas season continue? Many people have a big build up to Christmas Day, but then it quickly deflates or fades. Actually Christmas Day (beginning with the EVEning time on the 24th) is just the beginning of the Christmas season. On the Church calendar the Christmas season continues through the Baptism of the Lord in January. Now that we are beyond that point, the Christmas spirit can still affect our lives and those we meet.
What we are celebrating at Christmas is the remembrance of Jesus’ coming into the world 2000+ years ago, and renewing His entering into our lives. This relationship needs to be the “for a lifetime!” kind. It is not just a relationship of destination, but also one of journey. Jesus wants to walk with us into each new day, week, month and year. We receive Jesus as a gift, truly the Present, but also His Real Presence!
Lifetime friends are few and rare. The reason is right, the season is now, the lifetime is yours!
For A Reason?
For A Season?
For A Lifetime?
written January 30th, 2003
presented February 1st, 2003 (Papago Park, AZ)
for Diane Genet's Celebration of Life
When we contemplate relationships
They happen for a reason
last for a season or
span for a lifetime
Some of us met Diane for a reason
the purpose may not be fully known
but just in meeting Diane
some seeds of blessing were sown.
Some of us came for a season
I'm one who came for a while
She added so much cheer and joy
and came with that infectious smile.
For some, the relationship spanned a lifetime
In our lives she surely will be missed
all the shared moments so relished and cherished
each of us has had our own long, long list.
Whether yours was Reason, Season or Lifetime
Diane touched us in many caring ways
this wonderful woman we lovingly recall
through all our upcoming days.
