Let Go

While out on a walk this week, on a street I have walked down thousands of times, I saw the most amazing thing. 

A branch from a tree was drooping over the sidewalk, and there was a lone, lifeless leaf hanging from it. Somehow this lone leaf had survived the winter rains and snow, the ice and cold temperatures. 

When all of the other leaves from the tree had long since fallen to the ground and had either been raked or washed away, this one leaf was still there…still hanging on even though it was clear its life had ended long ago.

But right next to that leaf, I could see a new green bud emerging. Just coming forth as we welcome Spring and all of its newness and life.

I stopped and stared at this beautiful scene. 

And I thought, “This is what the season of Lent is all about!” God asks us to look at those dead and lifeless things we are holding onto. To examine them, and ask ourselves why we are clinging to them? 

Then God says, “let go.” 

See the new life, the new bud, the new things I have for you! It’s right there. Sometimes we have to let go of the old to make room for the new that is to come.

I pray you are able to do that this season, as we continue the journey through Lent together.

Rev. J. Elise Brown, PH.D

Executive Minister