Its okay to say good-bye

It is amazing how life has so many changes.

Recently, i had a chance to talk to someone who used to be in my life daily.  We prayed together, we shared hobbies, our families went out together, i helped plan a milestone birthday for her, she was there during one of the most difficult times of my life.   We went to church together, and i couldn't imagine not having that person in my life.

Then years went by.  We moved away, and then came back and while we were friendly to each other, our lives were different.   I had changed, drastically, and had issues that needed time to heal. 

And while we were friendly, eventually, we just stopped talking to each other.

Recently, we met again, and while we shared a few things of how the family was doing, no empty "let's get together sometime" were shared.

While i mourned the loss of this friendship while it was happening, i realized that changes are necessary and part of God's plan.

In my life, i have had several "groups of friends."  Friends that shared kids the same age, hobbies, church, sports, schools, you name it.  Many of us prayed together, dined together, celebrated together.  We laughed, shared funny tales together....

 But then, when, for example, the club disbanded, so did the friendship.   Maybe we are still friends on FaceBook, but otherwise, there is nothing else there.   I see pictures on facebook of several of the old club having fun with others, but i wasn't invited.

In the past, this would have devastated me.   My lack of self-esteem would've reared its ugly head and i would've been convinced it was all me...all my fault.  I said something, i did something - something i did caused them not to like me anymore.  Maybe i would consider calling them, doing ANYTHING to be invited to the next event.

 Now, it is okay.  It's okay to say good-bye to the old and welcome in the new.   Like that saying "when one door closes, a window opens" when one friendship ends, it is time to open the window, climb out and find the next friend.  Time to see who else wants to laugh over your texts early in the morning, and wants to meet someone for a quick bite and a boost in morale that only you can provide.   Someone who has a new hobby to bring into your life, and clutter your craft room and frustrate your spouse.

I do have life long friendships, a friend that has been in my life as long as i can remember, another i can call on anytime, she knows she can do the same for me.....but there have been so many friends that have come and gone, and it took me some time to realize that's a good thing.  

There are only so many hours in the day, why waste them on the old that does nothing to help you grown and improve your life?   Treasure the times you had, and then look around and see who else needs to see your smile.  Let someone teach you something you a new craft that you NEED to try (snort) or spend time with you trying on clothes for your ever changing waistline.

Yes, saying goodbye to the old is hard and often hurts, but it really is a good thing.

I love you.