What Autumn Leaves Teach Us About Letting Go - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional
What Autumn Leaves Teach Us About Letting Go
By Carrie Lowrance
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24, NLT)
Autumn is a season of beauty and releasing things in our lives. The trees don’t cling to their leaves when it’s time for them to fall. Instead, they let them fall, trusting them to God who made the seasons. Those leaves that once provided shade to passersby and beautiful colors are not meant to stay. Letting go of those leaves is not a loss of life; it’s a part of life’s rhythm.
Marriage can teach us something similar. It’s easy to hold onto grudges, past offenses, and the things our partners do that drive us nuts. This is human nature, but it’s not how God wants us to live as married people. Loving our spouses well does not always mean holding tightly. Sometimes we need to let go of our own expectations, old hurts, stubborn habits, and our need to control every outcome. Like fall leaves, these things that once seemed necessary in our lives can prevent fresh growth in our marriages from happening if we hold on to all of them too long.
There can also be things we need to let go of personally in order to grow stronger in our marriages. Things like working too much and not spending enough time together, or not spending enough time with our kids. Staying out too late with friends. Not tackling household issues and errands together. These things can build up resentment towards our partners and vice versa, which is not good. Instead, we need to address these issues head-on so we can fix the issue, release it to God, and grow together in the future.
Letting go in marriage can look like:
- Releasing the need to always be right.
- Forgiving quickly instead of rehashing and rehearsing offenses.
- Loosening a grip on our unmet expectations.
- Trusting God with changes we can’t control.
- Cutting back on things that cause us to ignore our partner.
When trees lose their leaves, they are not failing; they are preparing for renewal. We can do this in the same way when we let go of pride, resentment, etc., and make room for deeper intimacy with our spouses and fresh grace.
A strong marriage does not lack release. Strong marriages are where both partners learn to trust God enough to surrender what no longer serves love.
Reflection Questions
- What are we holding onto that God may ask us to release?
- Is there a hurt, habit, or expectation standing in the way of our growth together?
- What am I holding onto that may keep our marriage from growing?
- Is there a hurt, expectation, or habit that I need to release to God today?
- How can I practice forgiveness or humility with my spouse this week?
Couple’s Challenge
Take a walk this week and notice the surrounding leaves. As you walk, each one of you name one thing you are ready to release to God for the sake of your marriage. Then pray together and for one another and ask God for renewal. You could even find a devotion or Christian book about relationships and renewal to read and study together.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this beautiful season of autumn and the lessons it gives us. Teach us how to let go with grace. Help us release pride, resentment, expectations, and fear. Grant us the grace of humility and steadfast faith in you, no matter the season of our marriage. When we watch the leaves fall, remind us you never waste what we surrender to you. Renew our love, deepen our trust in each other, and prepare us for the fruit of a stronger union.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/blackCAT
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