I’m sitting here under a cozy blanket, quickly cooling coffee next to me, and a cat (finally calm) watching me. I’ve got YouTube on the TV with a beautiful Christmas scene inside a home with snow falling outside and soft music playing. I’ve recently put up my Christmas decorations and I’m enjoying them let up around me.
My description of this moment feels like Christmas is near. Truth be told, Christmas is over a month away. We are just two days away from Thanksgiving, yet the feel in the air is different.
As I look past a sleeping kitten on the back of the davenport, I see so many leaves outside mixed with snow. There is more snow expected this afternoon.
The leaves I see are on the ground and still in the trees. They have long since lost their bright fall colors and have faded and are dry. There are still “green” leaves on the trees that are faded and dead. They seem to be hanging on.
Fall into winter is such a season of conflict. The beauty we held onto through the summer turns glorious and then it’s gone. Usually by now the trees are empty, the leaves have been removed, and we are awaiting winter.
This year winter came early and seems to have halted the progression of fall letting go.
I love fall. Aside from its beauty, it is a time to let go of things and prepare to rest and heal through the winter. Then when spring arrives we have room in our lives to begin anew.
Think about all of the plants that die in the fall and then go dormant for winter. It’s hard to imagine we will ever see their beauty again. They’ve let go.
But alas, spring arrives and they reappear more beautiful than ever! It’s glorious! Had they not let go, they would not be able to grow and bloom again.
I’m sitting her thinking about what I need to relinquish to God this morning. What do I need to let go of? Lies I’ve believed. Past hurts and stories that need to be put to bed for good. Chapters that need to end. Fears laid at His feet. Should of… would of… could of… done.
Am I holding on to these things like the trees are holding on to the leaves? Will clean-up be more difficult the longer I hold on? Will the next snow fall just cover up the leaves and make getting rid of them even more difficult?
God of heaven, help us all to let go of what needs to die so we might prepare for new growth through the winter. We look forward with faith and hope for the things to come.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Thoughts and Reflections on Life 