Throughout life you will cross paths with thousands of people, some of whom will be strangers you may never see again after that first instance, others may come for a moment and leave the next but, if you are fortunate enough, some will stick with you forever.

You never know when or why friends come into and out of your life, but for one reason or another, there is a purpose for everything. Friends come into your life for a season, a reason or a lifetime, and I guarantee everyone can relate to that statement, somehow.

Everyone has their “group” from high school. These are the friends who you ate lunch with, walked to class with and even got your prom pictures with. From freshman year of high school, you found yourself in a group that was your people for the next four years. I’m sure individuals came and went from your friend group, and you, yourself, probably floated between groups of friends too, but there was always a core group that you called your own. 

The same goes for college. You move in as a first-year and are eager to meet new people. You are ready to find your niche again. Maybe some of your group from high school came with you to college, but the vast majority of people are off on their own again, looking to find a place in this crazy new environment.

I’m sure there are friends you had that you have now lost touch with that you thought were going to be with you forever. You did everything together, you told each other everything and considered each other inseparable. Flash forward a few years and those people are no longer in the picture. Those types of friends were there for a season — and that is okay.

Everyone goes through phases in their life where they are exposed to the same people day-in and day-out. Whether you are on the same teams, in the same classes or just ride the same bus, those people are going through exactly what you are going through — that’s your connection. That is what draws you to each other and keeps you with each other for any given period of time.

At some point, those friendships die off and you can’t even remember the last time you have touched base. At this point, you’re probably thinking of a friend or two that you’ve lost touch with — we all have them. It is important to remember that even though all friendships don’t last forever, they are important to have at certain points in your life — for a season.

Other friends seem to come into your life when you least expect them to, but it seems like the timing could not have been more perfect. These are the friends who were in your life for a reason. Whether it was to get you through a tough time or to just be your person for a short time, they had your back and you had theirs.

These people don’t tend to stay in the picture for a long period of time, but when they are around, their presence is appreciated beyond belief. The phrase, “I couldn’t have done it without you,” is used often to describe these types of friends. To these people, I say thank you. Thank you for always being understanding and caring, and I am sorry we have drifted apart. No matter the distance, I want you to know that you helped shape me into the strong woman I am today, and for that I am forever grateful.

Everyone has friends in their lives that are there for a season or a reason, but if you are truly fortunate, you will have a few friends who will remain with you for a lifetime — this is usually who you consider your best friend. Hold onto these people tight, but you will realize these are the friends who you don’t need to fight to keep around — they will stay because life without each other just wouldn’t be the same.

Seek out those that make you want to be a better person, and keep them in your life for the long haul. I have been blessed with the best when it comes to my friends, and I am thankful for them each and every day. To my friends in high school — I miss you, and I thank you for being there for me through those crazy four years of drama, dances and fire drills. To my friends who helped me through some very tough times in life — thank you, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Finally, for those who have been there for me through everything — thank you for sticking with me, I can’t wait to hang out with you at retirement homes someday.

Friends are in your life for a season, a reason or a lifetime, and no matter the case, each and every one of them are important and necessary. Some may only be in the picture for a short period, and others you may not be able to recall a time without them, but no matter the length or time spent as friends, they all make a difference. Take some time to think and appreciate those who have come into your life and changed it for the better — your life wouldn’t be the same without them.