A Lesson from Autumn

An Invitation to Let Go

As you look at your calendar, you might be thinking, “Gosh! When did my schedule fill up so quickly?” I often find myself asking the same question, especially during the fall. 

What we want from the fall season, and what's promoted on social media and Pinterest feeds, is a slower pace of life. One that's filled with hay rides, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, bonfires, football games, soups and fresh-baked goods, and lazy weekends curled up with a warm drink and a good book.

But, the irony is that what we do is different from what we want. We can't possibly fit all of those activities in and enjoy a slower pace and relaxed schedule at the same time.

In the name of doing all the autumnal activities, we lose touch with what nature is calling us to during this season…

Slow down and let go.

God designed our bodies and minds to move in tandem with nature. Isn't it interesting that we try to fight that each fall by packing our schedule with events and activities?

You might feel this pull to do all of it because you want to experience the wonders of fall or you want your family to enjoy the fullness of the season. Or, maybe you just like to keep a busy schedule!

I understand the value of each of those things. As a business owner, wife, and mom, I’m prone to packing my schedule with work, school, and family activities. Yet we can't ignore the natural slowing down of this time of year. 

If you look out your window right now, what do you notice?

The trees and shrubs have probably started to change colors. They might already be letting go of their leaves, too.

Because nature knows it's time to let go of what it no longer needs.

Trees change colors and release their leaves each fall in order to save energy, store up food, and preserve themselves through winter. This allows plants to sustain themselves through shorter days in a cold season, so they can bloom in the fullness of spring. 

Autumn welcomes us to do the same thing. 

What is something you can let go of during this season?

Maybe it’s taking just one fall activity off of your calendar.

Or saying no to a PTA function.

Or staying in one night to decompress from a full week.

Or allowing yourself to have a day with no plans.

That might be scary. Saying no often can be. But, saying no to one thing can allow you to say yes to something else.

Saying no to another fall outing could mean saying yes to a relaxing night in. Saying no to another school function could mean saying yes to impromptu family fun at home. Saying no to filling every part of your schedule could mean saying yes to trusting God just a little bit more with your time. 

God welcomes us to trust him with every part of our lives, including our time and how we fill our schedules.

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?... Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you…” Matthew 6:26–30

You can slow down this time of year and let go of the things that no longer serve you. It might be just for a season. And, you can trust that this time of letting go will help you to make room and bloom in a new season.