Letting Go

Author: Mark Fenstermacher
October 01, 2020

I like the seasons. I like living in a place where the heat of summer suddenly cools. I like living in a place where the world turns white as snow falls, where the grip of winter is broken by an unexpected gust of warm wind and the appearance of the spring sun, and where trees and fields and gardens come alive in the summer heat. There is a rhythm to it, and beneath these seasons there is always a reminder: life is about seasons and each season has its own challenges and blessings.

On my morning and evening walks, I am noticing more leaves on the ground. Healthy trees generate leaves in the spring, and then they let them go in the fall. So this new season reminds me, whispers to me, that the good life, the healthy life, the God-honoring life, the gracious life, is about letting go. What do you need to let go of so that your life can be better, more abundant, and more free?

I remember one dark, overcast mid-winter day sitting in the home of a woman who had hung onto hurt for more than fifteen years. There had been a family moment in church, she felt like a relative had insulted her (not a word was said in that moment, actually), and so she shut herself in her farmhouse and give up on so much of life. "How long will you hold onto this hurt?" I asked her. "Give it to God, let it go, and come out and play with us...do life."

She wouldn't let go, and her refusal to forgive, to let it go, condemned her to a life of isolation and bitterness.

On the other hand, I remember two men—brothers—late in life who forgave one another, and their joy made the air hum. I've heard people talk about how forgiveness allowed them to let go of a heavyweight that had worn them out over the years.

Proverbs 17:9 reminds us, "One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend."  The Bible helps us see that God forgives us and we are invited to live out that life pattern.  Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

The next time you notice leaves falling from a tree, or notice those leaves at your feet during your morning walk, hear the voice of God: "Let go of the hurtful thing...the bitter thing. Let it go...release it."

Freedom is a light thing...a joyous thing, I've found.

+ + +

Join us for worship on-line or in person at 8:30 a.m. (Classic Worship) or 11 (Modern/Non-traditional Worship), for Sunday school at 9:45, or for one of our INSPIRED small groups.

Grace and peace in Christ,
Pastor Mark

BACK