Making Room.

As the fall leaves begin to burn with glory and the days are getting shorter and colder, creation is testifying once again to the fact that our lives are composed of seasons. Our lives aren’t static, but each day with all its many components is bleeding into the next creating this beautiful canvas that tells one continuous story. I’m more aware than ever that we need each season with all its contrasting features to live into the real life that God has called us to. As I walked with friends through the almost desolate streets of charming Augusta, MO last week, it was against the darkened sky with clouds sagging in the middle with the weight of much needed rain, that the fall leaves seemed to blaze with the greatest beauty. When I am always chasing the sun, I miss the contrasts of glory. Fall feels like a season of dying. With its relief from summer’s heat comes the brisk reminder that there are cold days ahead. Fall seems to be this passageway, this transition point from abundance and light to scarcity and dark. But what if this season of dying was actually preparation for what was to come? I don’t know what metaphorical season you find yourself in today, but know this: God is the God of ALL seasons. Even in seasons of inevitable death, it is merely the precursor to Life. Creation illustrates this very fact. The seed must die, break open, to produce fruit. To create new life. Parker Palmer in his book, Let Your Life Speak, speaks of autumn as a paradox of dying and seeding. He wraps words around the mysterious work of this season, “On the surface, it seemed that life was lessening, but silently and lavishly the seed of new life were being sown (99). As disciples of Jesus, we have this hope…death is never the end of the story. In the paradoxical Kingdom of God, it is death that precedes new life. If you are in a season of lessening, take heart! As you grieve the losses, He is working out a greater glory to come. As Palmer so poignantly notes, “Autumn constantly reminds me that my daily dyings are necessary precursors to new life (100).” Friends, would we join our savior in saying, “Not my will, but thy will be done.”

“Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of what falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24 (ESV)

To Ponder:

Name a time when you experienced the paradox of a death leading to new life in your own life. When did a loss, death of a dream, or a surrendering of your will or control lead to new life? Ask the Lord for eyes to see it.

What area of your life seems to be lessening right now?

What might God be making room for in your life as a result of that lessening?

To Pray:

Lord, I confess that I want control of my life. I confess that I think I know better than you. Forgive me Lord for seeking my will and my way over yours. Lord, help me to trust your goodness even in times of lessening--trusting that you are making room for new life and new growth even when I cannot see it. Lord would you give me a bold faith that trusts you in every season. Thank you, Lord that your ways are better. I believe, help my unbelief! In Jesus all powerful name, Amen!