Thoughts on friendship

A few years ago I received an email with a poem that I initially thought was cheesy. I remember reading it and instantly deleting it. However, with everything that I have gone through this year, I have found myself thinking about the message in that poem. I was not able to locate the exact poem that was sent to me, but it was very similar to this:

"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay awhile...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts and we are never quite the same.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person or people involved; and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships, and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant."

This poem is a bit more religious than the one that I received. And while I am not a very religious person who believes that friends are heavensent, I do think that the basic underlying message of this poem is true. I have learned that you have many friends that are seasonal and while they may serve a purpose in your life at that time, they are not permanent fixtures in your life. But, the few that are lifetime friends are the most amazing people you will ever know...