This past weekend was a long holiday, the perfect time to get together with family and friends. I met up with local writer friends for a long overdue lunch date. With deadlines, health issues and a full-time job, we haven’t seen each other as often as we used to. Just a few years ago we got together several times a week to work on projects. We discussed what was happening with our children, we held brainstorming sessions and enjoyed coffee breaks. We were a constant presence in each other’s lives. Although it was gradual, it felt like we grew apart overnight.

Life changes. It’s sad that we aren’t there for each other as often as we used to be. Even though the bond is still strong between us, we’ve accepted the fact that we have a more distant relationship. But when the opportunity arises to see each other, we grab it. We chat and laugh, acting as though we just saw each other yesterday. Then we promise to meet again soon, looking forward to our next visit.

On Sunday, two members of my church, who have moved away to pursue their dreams, happened to be home for the weekend. One is hoping to succeed as a professional dancer, the other is in Bible college. It was a jam-packed service as these young people filled us in on the up and downs of their experiences. These are true long-distance relationships, but it reminded me of how God keeps us connected, to old friends or with those who go off to places we might never step, in order to fulfill the desires God has placed in their hearts.

My point?

People come and go. We can see so much of what the Lord is doing in His kingdom by treasuring the relationships that have been so important to us and by seeing what others are accomplishing because they listened to the call of God. And while we might miss times spent with good friends, watching those who are working toward their goals is encouraging. It takes the sting out of missing our buddies. One thing is sure, God has a plan and we go through seasons in life with different people. I’ve learned to embrace new and old relationships, bittersweet as they may be.

In two weeks, I’ll be headed to New York City for the Romance Writers of America annual conference. I’ll be traveling with a good friend, someone who has been there for me though good times and bad. We just spent yesterday going over our schedule, trying to fit excitement into every spare minute so we can visit landmarks we’ve talked about seeing for years. Once at the conference, I’ll see fellow authors I only see at this conference, along with my agent and editor. Plus, I’ll meet people while I’m there, proving that we can always expect new friendships while still maintaining old friendships, and we become better people because of it.

I’ll have pictures next time. This was taken at the Literacy signing at a past conference.

Take the time to embrace those who have impacted your life, but be ready to meet folks who will add something totally different to how you view life. It’s a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, Trusting Her Heart, available August 2019.  Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.