Letting go is exactly what I’ve been doing for the last several months: of clothes, of stuff, and of bits and pieces of my life that I’ve clung to so tightly. As of last week, I’ve even said my goodbyes as I let go of my beloved pine tree and old blue house. To be honest though, “beautiful” is not how I’ve been looking at any of it. Exhausting, emotional, overwhelming, just to name a few, would better describe my attitude…..That is, until I came upon these wise words which got me thinking……
I don’t know about you, but it’s way too easy for me to fall into the trap of “woe is me”. As I’m purposeful in reflecting on this crazy house process, I’m beginning to see it a little differently. Shifting my focus has revealed the fact that every day I’ve spent letting go leads me one step closer to making memories in a brand new house. There is beauty in this chaos.
Sorting and sifting through everything we own opened my eyes and let me see that we’d collected so many things we didn’t use or need anymore. What’s a pack rat to do? It took a while, but I finally recognized that maybe there was someone else who needed exactly what I didn’t. While emptying drawers, closets, and storage spaces was hard work; I’ve come to realize something. There’s beauty in giving.
I’m pretty sure those close to me (and maybe even you reading this) are more ready for this stage of my life to end than I am. Let’s just say my thoughts, worries, conversations, and yes, my blog posts have been pretty much like a broken record, but despite it all, my family and friends have prayed for us to let go of our fear, cheered us on to let go of our doubts, and urged us to let go of the past and look to the future. My biggest lesson about letting go? There’s beauty in encouragement!
The calendar shows that it’s officially fall. Nature proves it true. The sky is a more brilliant blue. The Hummingbirds and Monarchs are migrating. And yes, the trees are “letting go” of their leaves. As they float on the breeze, let them remind us that there IS beauty in the act of letting go, not just of things, but of all that hinders us from living our best life; the one God’s designed just for us!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Since it IS officially fall here is a super simple dessert/snack that’s perfect on a cool, autumn day!
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Beautiful, Cindy. I love the way you put together the truly beautiful leaves and the concept of letting go.
Thank you Sue! It really struck me to think about how the trees letting go of their leaves prepare them for a new season. I’m going to ponder on it a little more!
Thanks, my friend. I needed this as I struggle with letting go of expectations, of preconceived notions of “normal,” of the comfort that comes from being firmly planted in the familiar. “Unless an acorn falls to the ground and dies, . . .” We’ve got to catch up! Love you!
Oh how I love to be planted in the familiar! You know how hard it is for me to let go! Let’s work on this together! Can’t wait for our visit!
Touche! Ah, I hope that is a big sigh of relief I hear coming from your direction. Change is hard but it it also brings benefits. With your new home will come the loss of constant maintenance worries, new comfort (for many years!) and new memories. Also, a place your grandchildren will know as your loving home and talk about for decades! How sweet is that? Oh, God is good all the time.. even when he drags us kicking and screaming into his plan. ha ha xo
Sweet, sweet, sweet! I can’t wait! I do feel like God gets a little tired of having to drag me places tho! I’m so thankful for God’s goodness and you!
Aw, shucks, thanks! ha ha I’m as excited as you tho. Can’t wait to see the build begin!