December 3, 2025: The Curtain Call

Picture your life as a play.

There are some people who are essential in Act 1, but they walk across your stage only once. Soon they vanish, never to be seen again.

Others might show up in Act 2 or 3. A handful may be constant in all three.

I read a quote from Jenna O’Keefe that stuck with me: “In 5 years, most of the people you see every day will be strangers again.”

I’ve found that to be mostly true. The inner circle of your 20s reshapes wildly by your 40s.

The cast list changes more than you expect. Some roles feel large until the lights fade on them. A surprise character sometimes alters your whole story. Or a walk-on role may swagger in and leave a memory that never leaves you.

These can be college roommates, co-workers, neighbors, churchgoers. Time edits your cast when you aren’t looking.

But brief appearances don’t diminish the importance of certain people in your life. They each serve a purpose and teach you something.

And oddly, sometimes you can love someone deeply and still become strangers.

But not every parting is a tragedy. Learn to accept this. The curtain rises and falls on different faces each season.

You’re the lead actor, but you can’t control all the entrances and exits. That’s okay. This lack of control isn’t a flaw; it’s the plot.

You probably have a good idea of who will be around for the finale. Pour into those relationships like time is running out.

PS: Also, be kind to others. You never know whose Act 3 you’re in.