Fall is the celebrated season to break out the flannel, boots, and pumpkin spice, yet it’s also a time to see immense change happen in nature. We’ve just watched what was once growing, green, and full of life burst forth with bold vibrancy before all-too-quickly fading into drab tones, weathered stiffness, and the preparation for dormancy.
The trees have been shedding what’s left of their leaves, and the storms which are due to arrive soon will likely finish off whatever remains.
Trees can be a window into our soul. It can be good to let go of dead things, but doing so can also leave us feeling naked, feeling exposed and feeling vulnerable. Being uncovered—and letting others see our realness—can be a challenge.
I’ve been gone from the visibility of published writings here for a time, and it may be a while until I post again, but I’m here now. Here…in the moment because of the trees. Much like the trees, life and change can be a process to shed what is seen by others while being brave enough to reveal broken branches, burls of curled wood, and scattered parts that were once full of life and purpose.
Don’t you feel like this at times?
Yesterday, I took a walk in the forest behind my house. The sound of silence from the trees contrasting with the crunch of the dried and fallen leaves beckoned me. To be able to look up, look down, and look around—seeing the divergence of what is alive, what is changing, and what is dead—reminded me of how we are much like these majestic creations that blend together in a forest. There is beauty to be found in every season—with trees and within ourselves, too.
It’s easy to see the forest, yet harder to see the tree within the forest. …that is, until we get up close to see the tree for what it is:
- The tree is changing with the seasons of its life;
- it’s letting go of that which is dead while standing strong;
- it’s giving life to a network of tiny organisms resting beneath its cover;
- it’s offering fruit to other living creatures;
- it’s preparing to rest;
- it’s patiently waiting for the next season;
- it’s readying itself for rebirth…and growth…and beauty to come.
Those trees—and you—isn’t this what your life has been about, too?
“Trust the journey.”
It’s what I say to myself when forward progress is slower than it seems it should be.
Trust your journey.
Trust in the season in which you find yourself.
Trust in the seeds you have planted while getting to where you are today.
Trust in the change that has taken place.
Trust in the work you are doing to prepare for what is coming.
Faith is not a moment; faith is a journey.
Seasons change.
We change.
Life gives us opportunities to be the change.
As much as you might miss some of what’s been left behind, trust in the opportunity ahead that has been created by being willing for forge a new path after letting go of what may no longer serve the same purpose for you.
It’s okay to be naked and exposed for a while.
It really is!
Hope Surrendered 