Letting Go

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season. Psalm 1:3

I have a special place I go to read, pray or just relax. It’s my car and I look out at the trees. The trips started about this time last year and I enjoy it so much. God is teaching me to appreciate even the small things.

The tress last year were naked (no leaves), rough bark and exposed limbs. All I saw was ugliness and proceeded to tell the Creator which trees needed removed. Good thing He didn’t listen to me because I hadn’t learned the “letting go” thing.

This fall I began to watch as the leaves turned yellow and red; they would fall to the ground. Certain days the wind seemed to be in a hurry because leaves fell in a whirlwind. It was sad to see the leaves fall and then God began to teach me the miracle of trees. You see, the color comes from Chlorophyll and it takes energy for the tree to make it. But, in the winter, they need to conserve their water. The leaves must drop-no choice- just let go.

I remembered when my very favorite person in the whole wide world was barely hanging on. The Holy Spirit had me lean in and whisper “it’s okay, just let go”. She did and I was broken-hearted. I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I know that this is just an interlude in our relationship; I will see her again and the tress will put on leaves and become majestic.

Letting go of things, people and places is hard. This time of the year parents are dealing with a child leaving home; going off to college, joining the military, a marriage or new home. Perhaps you need to just let go and let God do His job.

You could be a person who carries around sorrow for past deed; you might have un-forgiveness, regret, anger, resentment or prejudice in your heart. Those issues can make your stomach sick and your head hurt. Why not just let go and yoke yourself with Jesus?

We are part of a life cycle-born, live and die. Trees have the same cycle. They are planted, weeded, pruned, nourish and die. We have more issues because many of us want to stay young forever. People have looked for the fountain of youth and they didn’t find it-ask Ponce de Leon. When we are young we can’t wait to be 12, 16, or 21. Women sigh when they turn 30, 40 or 50. Me pull in the stomachs, color their hair and try to deal with hair loss. Perhaps, we should just let go and trust God! Isn’t that what Proverbs 3:1-5 is all about? Trust and obey-why not just declare your love for the Trinity and then be kind to one another.

Spiritually we must allow Him to purify our faith, strengthen our character and teach us to conserve our energy and prepare for the future. You see strength is found in your “roots”. And like the tree you will discover a massive support system you may never see until you need it!

So, this spring, I will see that miracle in the trees and I will greatly appreciate the changing of leaves and then those “bare trees with everything exposed to the elements except for the roots.” Face it, we have to let go-that toy you played with as a child, your pet after ten years, a move from the family home, your children or your best friend moves, your family members go to be with Christ or you face no longer having a job after thirty years. Let go like the tress and let the Master Creator complete His work. I believe life will be easier because you know He will be true to His promises and another door opens.

On both sides of the river was the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2