10-2-22 Let It Go
Quote: “The tress are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.”
Fall leaves changing color provide some of the most vivid colors in nature. We get to see reds, oranges, yellows, and burgundies – sometimes all on the same tree! It is such a beautiful time of year. And then in just a short time, they fall from the trees leaving such a barren site. I love learning things from nature and this quote is spot on!
Cue the theme song from Frozen!
Letting things go is hard, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. A group of ladies recently gathered and we talked about how tough it is to let things go. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “There is a time for everything…” Then in verse 6b it says, “…a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
Sometimes it’s a relationship. It’s especially difficult when it’s one that has special memories attached to it. But look at it this way…what if it is blocking blessings from another relationship waiting to blossom? A very wise counselor once taught me the phrase “reason, season, lifetime.” People come in and out of our lives for a purpose. Most people are not hanging around with kids they grew up with in preschool! Some stay forever but let’s face it – most don’t. And it’s okay! You may need to let some relationships go that are toxic or not respectful of your time or not encouraging you to be the best version of yourself. This is called protecting your space and peace of mind. Ask God and good Godly friends to help you make these decisions. Hold tightly to those relationships that are precious life-giving gifts! Nurture those. But you may need to let some go!
Sometimes it’s words that are spoken over you. It’s especially difficult when it’s someone that you are really involved with – family, close friends, colleagues, etc. Everyone can think of a harsh word that was spoken about you or even said to you. That saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” is absolute nonsense! Words hurt. But look at it this way…what if the words that were spoken are chances to grow? Ask God or people you trust to show you the truth in the situation. Maybe there’s some tiny truth to those words that will make you do some soul searching on how much stock you take into what others think about you. Again, you may need to take a step back and figure out a way to protect yourself from toxic people that are speaking toxic things about you. Choose to focus on the amazing things that God says about you in Scripture instead of human’s words. Verse after verse talks about how we are royalty, we are chosen, we are loved, and we are wonderfully made! We may need to let go of some pretty awful words that have been spoken about us and focus on what God says.
Sometimes it’s expectations that you’ve had. It’s especially difficult when there are dreams, goals, and plans that you had for relationships, careers, children, talents, health, etc. The Bible says that God works everything for good. But look at it this way…what if your ideas weren’t what God had in mind and he has something even better in store for you? What if you are standing in the way of bigger and better things? We cannot see ten steps ahead like God can. He sees the past, present, and future. He knows how things are going to turn out. What if your grief, despair, and disappointment are because you followed your path instead of the one he had planned for you? I know when I try to rush things or do things my way, it always turns out disastrous! It’s chaotic and unorganized and full of what ifs. But if I ask God what he has planned and then let him take control, the Bible says I will receive tenfold the blessings rather than if I’m sitting in the driver’s seat trying to control everything. We may need to let some of our wishes and desires take a backseat to be sure our wants are lined up exactly with his.
Letting go is not easy. But as the trees gently let their leaves go and fall to the ground, the reward is winter. A time for snowflakes to fall and blanket the ground. To give the soil a chance to rest. And then spring comes right around the corner, a chance for new blossoms and new landscape.
Let go and then let God show up!
