‘Tis the season .. to say goodbye
I love the holidays. No, really. I LOVE the holidays. From Halloween (grab a seat because, yes, I love Halloween AND Jesus) to Thanksgiving to Christmas. Each one has a special feeling to them and all are acknowledged and celebrated in their right time. I have this tree that is more like another member of our family. Her name is Francesca. I say “her” because she is a mannequin tree. The top is a silver bodice with beautiful sparkles dusted all over. And her skirt is composed of the most beautiful champagne colored tree bristles. She is stunning. She makes her appearance every year in July … I’M KIDDING! She does, however, stand at attention on the first calendar day of Fall. Now that I live in New England, this is very exciting because in September the temperatures are actual Fall temps instead of a Louisiana Fall where it is still well into the healthier 90s.
So, Francesca goes up and she becomes a Halloween tree with a classic black/white look until November 1st when she dons a wide brim floppy hat and a color palette inspired by these New England leaves. The day after Thanksgiving, she puts on a Christmas look so good that even Gucci is trying to get her on the runway. Along with Francesca, my holiday decor changes with her. Each season getting its own time, its own traditions, and its own activities. But on January 1st, also known as the saddest day of the year, it all comes to a close. Francesca is packed up in her big beautiful box, the cedar garland wrapped in lights must find its way to an empty bin, and all the little trees sprinkled throughout the house give a yawn and a wave as they go to hibernate for another year.
It truly is a sad day. Each year, my husband asks if he needs to leave for the day so I can have time to mourn. Although that is a little dramatic, part of me always wants to say “yes”. But here is what I have learned … Each season has its own time. And each season comes to an end. It is a bittersweet feeling of knowing the holiday season is over but, with it, an underlying anticipation for what is to come next. Because, as we know, when one season ends, a new one begins.
As much as I would love to keep the holidays alive, it is important to recognize when the season is over. I never want to stay too long in a space where I know my time is up. That is a dangerous spot to be - whether we are talking about holiday decor or a job position or a relationship or your kids getting older. When the time is up … it’s up. Recognize it, acknowledge it, and move into the next thing with your shoulders back, knowing that you did what you came to do in that season and you gave it your all. God’s word actually has beautiful wisdom on this subject in Ecclesiastes 3 –
“There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven:
A time for birth a time for death
A time to plant and a time to uproot
A time to kill and a time to heal
A time to destroy and a time to construct
A time to cry and a time to laugh
A time to mourn and a time to dance
A time to throw stones and a time to gather
A time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing
A time to search and a time to count as lost
A time to hold on and a time to let go
A time to tear and a time to mend
A time to be silent and a time to speak
A time to love and a time to hate
A time for war and a time for peace
God makes everything appropriate in its time”
We could spend hours digesting each one of those verses. And I am sure, whatever season you are walking as you read this, there are at least 2-3 that touch your heart a little more than others. The words that bring my heart such peace is the very last truth in this passage .. “God makes everything appropriate in its time.” IN. ITS. TIME. We are all creatures of time. So why do we consistently spend too much time in a place where we know we do not need to be any more? We hold on to things we know we need to let go – that relationship that only brought pain or those toxic words someone spoke over your heart. We mourn the loss of that friendship or that career path for far too long while God has brought a season meant for dancing. We continue to shed tears over the things that God has already healed yet He longs for us to step into the time of laughter that He has prepared. All of these things have their appropriate time but our hearts remain in a season where God has clearly said “Time is up”.
How long have you allowed your heart to remain in a season where the time is up. How long have you been mourning? Crying? Searching? Destroying?
Mama, I know it hurts your heart to watch your babies grow older and become more independent. But you know what? Because they are becoming more independent, that means you have done your job WELL. So treasure the memories you have from those sweet babes with all your heart but let go and allow your kids to step into their purpose and plans with God. Well done, sweet mama.
Sister, I know your heart aches over that break up. Heartache is one of the worst pains. No amount of food, drugs, alcohol, pills, Netflix binges or partying will suffice for the pain. Give your soul room to cry and mourn but don’t linger there too long. God has a season of laughter and DANCING waiting for you.
My friend, I know you thought your life would look a little different than it does at this moment. But you are not done yet! Uproot some of those former ways of thinking and plant some new, God-breathed dreams. Uproot the lies that have been spoken over your heart and plant God’s truth in fresh soil. He has fertile ground ready for tilling.
So, as I box up ornaments and stockings and my little Christmas trees, I acknowledge the “goodbye” but welcome the “hello”.
I pray the “Hello” to your next season is a sweet one, my friend.
