Time For Letting Go

In his blog Truthful Conversations, my friend Mike Glenn observes: "Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven. Our lives, like the world around us, have seasons. Our seasons, however, don't necessarily line up with the seasons of nature, which means we have to pay close attention in our lives so we can discern what season it is for us.

"You don't have to be an economist to understand that right now, at least in the economy, it's winter. Winter is a time when plants die back and the soil replenishes itself in preparation for the growth of spring. Winter's work is deep and unseen, but vital to a healthy life.

"Winter is the time for reflection and discernment. Activities are weighed against our values, and our lives are reevaluated in terms of our long-term goals. Is what we are doing allowing us to become the person we want to be? Winter is the time when we rethink our priorities and then focus our lives to achieve these new priorities.

"Winter is also a time for letting go. The current economic crisis is causing a lot of anxiety in our country and in our own lives personally, but winter does some important work if we will let it.

"For instance, most of us are overcommitted. Now is a good time to resign from those commitments that no longer serve their original purposes. Make a phone call. Write a letter. Resign with regret, but resign. Create space and capacity in your life for God to do something new.

"Most of us are stretched financially. Cut back on those things that you don't have to do. Drop club memberships. Quit 'anything of the month' clubs you are in. Times are hard...haven't you heard? Drop what is no longer helpful or needed in your life; and yes, build up your savings.

"Most of all, remember the true treasures in life can't be bought with money. I know it sounds cliché, but it's true. Refocus your life on being with those people you love and doing the things you love to do. Don't be surprised if in getting back to the basics of life that you don't find yourself closer to God, as well.

"It's not always spring. We are not always growing. There are seasons in our life and each is important for its own reasons. Winter does some important work. Let it do its work. It won't always be winter. Spring will come, and when it does, you will have created the capacity and space for the new thing God is doing."

By Michael Duduit, Editor Preaching Now