By: Amanda Carter, MA, LPCI genuinely enjoy all 4 seasons, but fall is hands down the one the stands above the rest for me. The cooler temps, clothes like sweaters and boots, college football, seasonal food like chili & s’mores, and getting lost in corn mazes are all reasons why I like the fall the best. However, the biggest reason of all is the changing of the leaves. In Georgia it seems that the leaves generally start to change in late September, but the “peak” fall colors occur typically in late October/early November. Seeing the leaves in the multi-color hues and then watching them fall to the ground is just magical.
As a Christian, I believe God created all things for a reason(s). So I have to ask myself what can I learn about the nature of God in this season and what could possibly be applicable to how I live my daily life. The vibrance of multiple colors leads me to think how much God appreciates diversity and playfulness. He could have chosen to make the leaves one color year-round, but He didn’t. In interacting with others, it is helpful to appreciate diversity and realize that while we as humans share some fundamental core things, we are also uniquely made. (Matthew 10:29-31). In terms of the leaves falling to the ground, I wonder, “What do I need to let go of?” Likely we all need to let go of something, perhaps even daily. It could be something small like what color to paint the room, or it could be something much weightier like letting go of unforgiveness towards someone who has harmed me. Recently, someone told me that she had an epiphany one day that for her sake she needed to forgive her father who abused her. Her father had never acknowledged the abuse to her or anyone else. When she had put healthy boundaries in place between her and her father, others in the family judged her for it. She had every reason to hold onto her anger towards him. Yet, she realized that while justly she could do so, that unforgiveness was causing herself more harm emotionally and physically than good. So, she forgave her dad. Was this easy? Absolutely not. Does that mean she wants to reconcile the relationship with her father. No. He is still unhealthy in his denial. What it does mean though is that she has unburdened herself and no longer is controlled by the anger she has carried for so long. (Matthew 6:14-15) Some of us might be decent at letting go of the past but what about letting go of the future? I personally have to “check” myself on this one and as John Eldridge would say practice “benevolent detachment.” What does benevolent detachment mean? It means that while we are on this earth in our physical bodies, we experience much pressure and demands. Yet, it is still possible to live connected to the water of life in God’s presence if we release everyone and everything to Him: past, present, and future. Benevolent detachment doesn’t mean we don’t care. It is quite the opposite. It is acknowledging that we care very much but realize we are not in charge. However, we are connected to the One who knows how much (fill in the blank) means to me thus (fill in the blank) means to Him also. So, the challenge is to release, let go of those worries and cares to the one who was, is and is to come. Then, we can go outside and truly enjoy the fall of the leaves.
0 Comments
|
Legacy Strategy BlogLegacy Strategy, Inc. is a private counseling practice in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Archives
October 2024
Categories |