“It’s the way the fruit grows and knows when to let go when it’s time again for a new season.” – Jackie Legere

I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point, I began dreading Fall’s arrival.

For years I dreaded my favorite season, Summer, coming to an end. I wouldn’t go so far to say that I had seasonal depression.

It was more of an internal resistance to the shift. 

The changing leaves and cooler days only symbolized to me that frigid temperatures were right around the corner.

My mind would skip past the entire Fall season, and I would subconsciously be bracing for Winter months before any snowfall. 

Last year I decided that I didn’t want to see Fall this way anymore.

I began changing my thoughts around Fall.

This year, for the first time ever, I took practical steps to embrace the season. And what a joy it has been!

I made a few, Fall themed décor changes to my house.

I have been enjoying all the Fall favorites like banana bread, and pumpkin spiced coffees and teas that I drink from my new favorite pumpkin shaped mug.

I get all giddy like a big kid every time I find a new, dairy-free fall treat!

I find myself on prayer walks just staring up at the trees and admiring their freedom.

How powerful is it to let the leaves go when they are in their most beautiful state? One by one the wind blows, and the leaves float away full of confidence that they have completed their mission for that season. 

The trees boldly proclaim trust in the promise that in due time, new leaves will grow. 

I think how beautiful it must be to let go, simply because God said so. Because He created them to do so. No fear of lack. No fear that the beauty they once had will never return. 

What a remarkable example of surrender. 

In this season of life where God is calling me to let go of so much, I know it’s no coincidence that I finally understand the picture painted by Fall every year.

My prayer has been for the Lord to give me the unquestioned surrender of the trees.

A surrender that doesn’t resist or brace itself for the future.

A surrender that trusts the One who called me to let go.

One that is willing to stand tall, be laid bare for all to see, brave the darkness and cold of the season, and reemerge with the same confidence, beauty, and willingness to do it all again and again.

Yeaaaa, the fall got me y’all and I’m so glad that it did!

May our surrender be as gracious and beautiful as the trees and changing leaves every Fall.   

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Let me know in the COMMENTS, are you a Fall girly?

Freely,

Latiera