Reason, season or a lifetime

i got this little extract in an email years ago and i loved how appropriate it was to me back then and how appropriate it still is.

"Pay attention to what you read. People come into your life for a reason,a season or a lifetime. When i figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need that you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What you must realise is that, your need has been met, your desire has been fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow and learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach me lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life."

After having read that, my question then becomes is there even any point in investing in friendships that are for a reason or even in the seasonal ones? i mean if those people are only going to be there for a season then once that season is over they are gone, what then is the point of the friendship? All you are left with is the memories of the good times you shared and you longing that you could still share some more memories with the. Rather isn't it just better to invest all your time and energy in lifetime friendships, friends that you know will always be there for you no matter what, unlike those that are present for a reason or during a season. That way you're guaranteed that the good times will always be there and in fact you're getting reward for the investment you are making in the friendships rather than in investing in something that's seasonal.