I love this time of year. As the trees turn to brilliant colors and their foliage falls to the ground, I find joy in walking and listening to the rustle of the dry leaves beneath my feet. I love the scent in the air. There is a quote that says, “In Autumn, the trees show us how beautiful it is to let go.” I find that intriguing because letting go can cause great pain.

I remember when my father died in May of 2012. Scott and I had spent nearly every weekend traveling from Bismarck to Cavalier, North Dakota (about 4 ½ hours each way) to visit him and each Sunday as we headed back home, I would say, “See you next weekend, Dad. If not, we’ll see you in heaven.” He always replied, “You sure will!” One weekend, within an hour of our arrival, the nurse asked my sister and I if we wanted to call my mother. “He doesn’t have long now,” she said. My immediate response was, “No, not yet!” How selfish that was — but how normal for someone who loves another so very much. God’s timing is not our timing and I know Dad was ready to meet Jesus.

Letting go is a good thing even when it is accompanied by pain. Saying goodbye to someone you love, knowing they are going to be with Jesus; letting God heal anger; admitting my sin and asking for forgiveness — all of these may cause pain — and all of these allow me to begin anew. Another quote reminds me to let go of past hurts — “To heal a wound, you need to stop touching it.” Thank you, Holy Spirt, for filling me with Your strength and comfort!

As a sinful human being, my first reactions may often be selfish. As a child of God, the Spirit fills my heart and mind with the comforting words of Scripture.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2).

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5).

Today, let the trees show you how beautiful it is to let go. Let the Word of God fill your hearts with a new perspective and find comfort in His promises.  

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace, Debbie