Trust and Let Go
It is winter and the cold, crisp mornings awaken the senses and chase the fog from one’s brain. As I yet again gaze out of my office window, my eyes take in the conifer still lush and green, and the deciduous tree whose nakedness is so stark in contrast. There is one tree in particular that I have been looking at each morning, awaiting an event that seems determined not to occur. It has lost its leaves completely except for six small reminders that stubbornly refuse to release the Autumn in which they flourished.
My first thoughts are those of admiration as I think of their ability to hang on and persevere. What is it that gives them that capacity to cling to the branch when no others can? It has been many days now that they have defied the elements of this season’s harsher days.
But this morning another thought came as I looked to find them still there: as amazing as their resilience is, is it not misguided? Is it not also true that whilst they occupy that one small spot on that tree, that nothing new can grow in their place? In their magnificent endurance they are unwittingly postponing the coming of Spring.
For now, that is acceptable—for the time appointed for Spring has not yet arrived. But it will come. My friends, seasons are so important. There is the season of perseverance, to cling to the loyalty of that which has been; and there is the season to recognise God’s awakening to a future promise. When that moment arrives, the act of greater courage is not perseverance or endurance but the trust that allows you to relinquish. Because there is a time for everything—including for uprooting and letting go. (Ecc 3:1-2)
Finally letting go of that which was once filled with promise but now lies dead and cold is often heart-rending and traumatic. But it is vital to make way on the branch for the coming of the new buds of Spring.
In the simplicity of trust and an unreasonable faith in the Father’s love, open those hands and let go. For a fleeting moment you may feel a wind of insecurity caused by a vulnerability of the unknown, but it will pass. In its place you will find a new awareness as the Holy Spirit whispers fresh thoughts of new days of promise.
Spring is on its way a little while from now, and the Gardener of our souls beckons us to make way for it with an open heart made ready by the relinquishing of the Autumn now gone. Trust in your Abba Father as you draw near to Him.
You can dare to trust and let go for He is worthy of that trust. Read more about making hard decisions in your life.