Seasons

"Winter, spring, summer, fall...everything has a season"

About four years ago I lost two very good friends, both in their very early 50's, and both in a three-month timeframe. After that I started to look at life very differently and started examine the value I placed on things: my job, my family, my time. Sometimes tragic loss will do that, really open your eyes.
One thing became crystal clear to me: you don't know how long you will have someone with you, so don't wait to let people know how much they mean to you. You may not have another opportunity. If you feel a nudge to tell someone you love them, do it. If you feel a nudge to tell someone you really appreciate them, do it. If you feel a nudge to tell someone that something they've done really means a lot to you, tell them. Share what's on your heart. Don't let pride get in your way. Everyone can use encouragement.
After I started looking at what was really important in life (and what was not so important), I made some BIG changes in my life. I left a company where I had worked for many years. Do I regret it? No. I know I made the right choice. I know this was the path I needed to take.
Do I miss my co-workers? Of course I do. These people were like family to me. I worked with MANY people in the company in the years I worked there. I still do not regret my decision. It was the right one for me.
What's interesting is that there have been many changes in the company since I left, including many staff retiring and many new staff being hired. The company that I left is no longer the same.
This has made me realize something else, that people are only in our lives for a season. Sometimes you are blessed with a long season, as I was at my old company where we were like a family. It doesn't last forever, though, so don't take it for granted. Consider it a blessing while you have it and be thankful for it. Always be thankful for the time you have with someone because you have no guarantee how long that season will be.