[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||6px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
“God writes part of our story through the people He sends into our lives; some chapters bring comfort, others bring growth, but all have purpose.” — Sandi<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandiherron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thankful-for-people.1.jpg” alt=”Looking Back | Footprints on the Sands of Time by Gerald Freeman” title_text=”thankful for people.1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n God places people in our life for a reason and we are to be thankful. But when we are living it day by day in real relationships, at times it can feel far more complicated than comforting. But one fact is certain\u2014every person in our life serves a purpose.<\/p>\n <\/span>Some encourage us while others challenge us. Some walk beside us through life’s sweetest moments, and others teach us difficult lessons through their actions. The good experiences show us what to cherish, while the hard ones teach us wisdom, strength, grace, and discernment.<\/span> Not everyone who enters our life story is meant to stay forever, but every person leaves a footprint on our journey, and every lesson helps prepare us for what lies ahead. As we grow, we can be grateful for every relationship that has shaped us into who we are today.<\/span><\/p>\n Some people love you well. They show up, pray for you, stand with you, and bring peace into your life. They strengthen your faith without even trying. I’m so thankful to have many people in my life who love me well.<\/p>\n And then, there are the hard ones. The ones who misunderstand, twist words, question motives, or stir tension where there was peace. The ones who criticize, compete, or sow discord between you and the people you love.<\/p>\n Am I speaking to where you are right now? I think we all have some of this and it’s ongoing. And if we are honest, these relationships can shake you. You are trying to love like Christ while also trying not to lose your peace. That tension is real. And Scripture never asks us to deny it, but we are called to walk in both love and wisdom.<\/p>\n There is a difference between loving someone and allowing them to have free access to your heart, your home, or your closest relationships. Love does not mean lack of discernment. And forgiveness does not always mean restitution.<\/p>\n When my mother became ill with cancer and passed away, one of my brothers told me that during challenging times, you see the real character and integrity (or lack of) in people. Sometimes people accuse others of what they themselves would do if given the chance. He was right!<\/p>\n Often, the hurtful words and actions come from a place of hurt that was never healed. Unhealed wounds have a way of shaping how people see the world. They project old pain onto present situations, and it causes them to assume the worst instead of believing the best. What is spoken about others can sometimes reveal more about the speaker\u2019s inner wounds than about the truth of the one being spoken against.<\/p>\n That is where wisdom is needed. And grace. Not everyone deserves equal weight in your life. Not every opinion deserves a place in your heart. And not every relationship is meant to be handled the same way.<\/p>\n Some people will draw you closer to God. Others will pull you into confusion, tension, and unrest.<\/p>\n The difference is often not obvious at first but given time, fruit is revealed. Scripture says, \u201cBy their fruit you will recognize them.\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 7:16).<\/p>\n The Fruit You Can Look For<\/strong><\/p>\n I don’t ever want to be the one that people wish I had never come into their life. I want to be an encourager. <\/span>“For such a time as this…” \u2014 Esther 4:14<\/span><\/p>\n Did I mention about showing love, mercy and grace as Christ has shown each of us? There are wounded people among us. Maybe even sitting at your table. Show love, mercy, and grace.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#137275″ divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Choose Gratitude<\/strong>.\u00a0Reflect on the people who have shaped your life and thank God for them\u2014both the ones who brought joy and the ones who brought growth. Gratitude helps us see purpose where we once saw only circumstances.<\/p>\n 2. Carry Forward the Lessons<\/strong>.\u00a0Take the wisdom you’ve gained and apply it intentionally. Let the positive examples inspire you, and let the difficult experiences guide you toward healthier choices, deeper faith, and greater understanding.<\/p>\n\u00a0Purpose in Every Relationship<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The people God places in our lives\u00a0 may be a blessing, a lesson, or sometimes both. We learn from the good and the not so good. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
Pause and Reflect<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Where Do We Go From Here<\/strong><\/h2>\n