By Chelsea Drown 
I remember hearing as a child that not all friendships last forever.
Back then, I didn’t believe it.
Not my friendships.
We had grown up together—through elementary school, through high school. We were inseparable. Plans were made around each other, and life felt like it would always look that way.
But life has a way of changing things.
I became a young mom, trying to figure out who I was while also learning how to be everything my children needed. At the same time, I was still holding tightly to the friendships that had been part of my life for so long.
And for a while, I tried to make it all work.
But somewhere along the way, I realized I was the one holding it all together. The one reaching out. The one trying to keep things the way they used to be.
Then came one of the biggest changes—moving across the country for my husband’s job.
And that’s when things became clear.
The calls slowly faded. The visits didn’t happen unless I came back. And as hard as it was to admit, I began to see that some friendships weren’t meant to grow with me into this next season.
It was heartbreaking—but also clarifying.
Because at the same time, I was growing in my faith. My priorities were shifting. The way I viewed life, family, and relationships was changing too.
And not everyone grows in the same direction.
That doesn’t mean there’s bitterness.
I still love them. I still wish them the very best. But I’ve come to accept that sometimes people are part of your story for a season—not the whole journey.
And that’s okay.
Because now I understand how important it is to be surrounded by people who align with the life you’re building—especially when it comes to your family, your values, and your faith.
Friendships may come and go.
But the ones meant for this season will meet you right where you are.
by Shannon Whitmore 
by Linda Tang 
by Whitney Fleming 
