Apr 10
16
Seasons of Life and the Lessons Therein
Our dear friend, Karen, is someone I have been able to get to know better during the past few years. She has a tender heart and love for writing, music, family history, and the people in her life. We hope you enjoy her perspective!
The hymn “Each Life That That Touches Ours for Good” is a sweet song. Verse three says: When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord to thee. When it says “departs,” it refers to death, but I would like us to think of our friends who have moved, as well.
Long about two years ago the ward (congregation) I attended was split into two wards. This caused strong feelings as friends and, in some cases, different generations of a family would be in different wards. Now we will be back together again. We will be the same and yet different, for we have individually and collectively gone down the path of life.
During the season of separation, we had choices to make. Who did we stay in touch with and how? This experience allowed those who had children as well as those who taught them at church to learn and to teach lessons on friendship, change, loss, and comfort. It also provided opportunities for making new friends and for strengthening relationships with those whom we may have only been acquainted. It provided new opportunities for visiting teachers and those who were visited.
As I stated earlier our wards (congregations) are coming together again. Yet we will not all be here as before. There are those who have passed and live on in our hearts and memories.
Economic times are hard in this area–as they are in many parts of the country. Out of necessity, families have moved and may continue to do so. In their new wards, they have been welcomed and have made new friends while keeping some of the old.
I feel in my heart that a loving Heavenly Father allowed us to choose to learn to stay in touch with each other when the wards were changed and we were still nearby. If we have learned the lessons well, they will help us during this season when friends are farther off physically, though still close at heart.
Karen
