Notes from Nature: When the Leaves Let Go
I’ve always found fall to be especially rich with much to marvel at and reflect upon.
But this year in particular, my thoughts have tended to be a bit more melancholic.
I’ve had many reminders that time passes—whether I’m paying attention or not.
Situations change. People get older. Things come to an end.
Sadness and loss enter our lives, and they are a very real part of our shared human experience.
Letting go, saying goodbye, moving on—can be really hard.
Seasons pass.
One morning, while I was wrapped up in my thoughts, Ophie and I went out for our walk. The wind was setting loose dozens of leaves from the sugar maple in its fading red glory.
They seemed to gleefully twirl and dance as they spun dizzily to rest on the ground.
It completely caught me off guard, and I found myself grinning in delight.
For a moment, I was reminded of children spinning round and round before falling to the ground in laughter.
It struck me that I could learn something from those leaves about my approach to letting go—especially in the many situations in life that I have no control over.
There can be real freedom in surrender. When I let go and allow myself to be rooted in trust that God is like the wind—lovingly carrying me, surrounding me on my journey—it’s a beautiful thing.
I might not know where I’m going to land or what the journey will look like, but God does. No matter my age, I am always a child in His eyes. As a loving parent, He wants me to trust Him to carry me safely to wherever I need to go.
So when my day doesn’t go as I think it should…
why not joyfully surrender and go along for the ride?
And when my heart hurts from loss,
why not be consoled knowing God is always carrying me?
I just might find myself giddy from the most amazing ride of my life…
and that is something I can be grateful for.
Want to see some ready-to-fall leaves from a gorgeous golden walk in the park? You can see them here.
