It's Fall

Fall has arrived.  Football and soccer games are being played, the leaves are changing colors, and cooler temperatures are on the way.  School has been in session for several weeks now and the holidays are quickly approaching.  So many things are predictable and routine about the fall season.  Soon the trees will begin the process of losing their leaves.  The trees will be bare, as they rest for a season, in preparation for the spring and new growth.

Unlike trees, we do not automatically lose what needs to be discarded for new growth.  Instead, we must be intentional about what we want and need to release.  Sometimes I need to let some good things go for a season so that the best has a chance to thrive.  Then there are times, like the last leaves on the tree, that I hold on by a thread and need God’s Spirit to blow and encourage me to release what I am hanging on to.  I continue to find that it is much easier to grab and take hold of the new when I have willingly released and let go of the old.  And sometimes I need to rest and wait for a season for the new to have time to take root and grow.

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3