Expand, Stretch, and Grow

by Barbara Latta 

I took a deep breath of cool, fall air as the breeze blew against my face. Orange, red, yellow, and purple trees swathed the mountainside in a palette of color. God's handiwork called for us to stop and enjoy the view.

As I looked over the valley between the mountains, the wind blew leaves from the trees in front of my face. I captured one and admired its brilliant color. This leaf was detached from its life giving source and would soon wither and fade, becoming mulch on the ground. Nature’s purpose had been accomplished and it was time for the tree to let go and make room for the new growth spring would bring.

 

Our lives can become cluttered with dead leaves. We hold on to old things that still look good to us because they are familiar. But new growth cannot begin until the old is detached and discarded. The Bible tells us to "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes" (Isaiah 54:2-3).

One of the things I have needed to change in my life is a feeling of inadequacy. I was asked to fill a leadership position in a group which would often require speaking or teaching. I have never thought of myself as a leader, but I can’t grow and become what I want to be as long as these feelings stay attached to me. I have to form an image based on the new creature I am in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Even if what you are holding on to was once beautiful, the purpose could now be gone.  It's time for new growth. Blossoms and blooms can only appear when the dead has been discarded. 

What are some things you need to change to allow for new growth?