"Heart-prints"

Some have left their heart-prints,

Deeply as we went,

And there is no question,

That they were heaven-sent.

They come because God sends them,

But some for just awhile,

And then the season changes,

And often that’s when I’ll,

Say good-bye to someone,

When I thought they’d always stay,

It’s taken me a lifetime,

To know that it’s okay.

To have friends that I cherish,

But then to let them go,

Not because there is a problem,

Or a conflict, don’t you know.

But because the Lord is finished,

With His purpose and His plan,

To have that person with you,

Then move them so you can,

Learn what was intended,

And grow to God’s next stage,

The walk of faith extended,

The turning of the page.

And it will make you thankful,

For the ones who never leave,

For a lifetime they will be there,

Helping all that you believe.

So be thankful for the partners,

Even if for just a day,

And steward every one of them,

Long as God will let them stay.

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ…” (Galatians 6:2, NLT)

Life is meant to be shared, and along with it, the challenges we all face. Those who belong to the Lord are empowered to help others deal with life, walking alongside to help. The law of Christ is to love others as He has loved us, and we obey as He graces us to live unselfishly and with an eye toward those we can assist in the journey. This does not mean that every relationship is permanent, in the sense of being physically present for us throughout. It does mean that as the seasons of life pass, the Lord will bring people into our lives that we can help and some that can help us. Receive them all, in Jesus’ name, and let God determine both the nature and duration of the friendship.

Lord, help us bear one another’s burdens, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, hermanwalker.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.