Changing Seasons: Risk and Trust
Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile. ~ John Howard Bryant
Do you have the same level of angst I do when I’m down to the last few pages of a book that has cast a spell over my heart? The characters have become friends, close ones, and I don’t want them to leave. I love their town, neighbors, family, and even their enemies (well, sort of). So I squeeze-read the last pages like drops of water in a desert, to make them last as long as possible..grieving as I go.
Then there’s the last leaves of autumn when blustery winds accost our Mulberry tree in October causing leaves to wildly pirouette to the earth. Honestly, I want to dash out with a basket and a ball of ribbon, to catch them and tie them back on. The bare limbs look lonely and longing and the lovely leaves turn into a lifeless crunch. Yes, I know next season will bring forth new life but I had grown fond of the old life. And that is the problem. Isn’t it? Old life tends to feel familiar, cozy, dependable, like my ratty sweater. It’s a golden-yellowish misshapen mess. I know I should toss the thing, it’s grungy, but golly I’ve had it, well, uh, since the ark.
And it looks like it.
I think we are afraid if we let go what if we never find another sweater so friendly, a story so endearing, a tree so shady and full of wonder. Life requires trust and trust feels risky. If we don’t let go, we become hoarders, brooders, who wear anxiety like our favorite cologne. I tell you what, I’ll go first…I’ll shove my sweater in the throw pile, I’ll invest in a new book, and I’ll go out and dance in the fallen leaves. Join me, if you dare.
Books On My Nightstand
This book is for every woman’s heart.
Chasing Francis by Ian Cron
Finding hope when all looks lost.
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
A tender story that requires kleenex and humility.
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Struggling through hard questions in startling ways…
If you’ve ever felt much afraid, you will love this.
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This was a good blog for me to read just after I came in from dragging the garden hose in and placing it in the shower to thaw out so I can drag it outside again and fill the horses water trough. I do feel anxious about the oncoming winter and letting go of the comfortableness of warmer weather, trees filled with fruit and leaves, green grass and bare roads. I think I just have to be constantly trusting that God will see us through another winter and focus, focus on Him rather than my despair. Please pray that I do that faithfully this winter. Thank you!
Will be praying with you.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I totally relate… I hate to give up my comfortable ruts but long for more at the same time. It does take trust to keep moving forward. Thank you for this encouragement!
Let’s move forward together.
Redeeming Love was my favorite book, Patsy…glad you are reading it. I feel the same way about the wonderful leaves…don’t like to see them fall! Keep cozy and enjoy the rest of the season….winter is on the way! Blessings, Barbara
Blessings to you!
Love Francis River’s books! I don’t like to see winter come either. Looking forward to all the events that occur during the winter months though! Hot chocolate, sitting by a cozy fire, watching an old Christmas movie snuggled up in a blanket, twinkling Christmas lights, and the celebration of our our Savior’s birth! Enjoy your books and your old sweater!
Sounds perfect!
Hi Patsy, I love Redeeming Love. I could not put it down. Francine has a way with telling a story and combing it with Biblical truth.
I love the Fall season also. The colors are gorgeous and love decorating my home with Fall decorations also. I too have trouble getting rid of old things that I like but God taps me on the shoulder and tells me it is time to let go. So, I tip I picked up from a friend, when I buy something new I take out something old from my closet, even if it is a favorite!! When I have not worn something in a year, a get rid of it also.
Take care and God Bless,
She sure does!
Hi patsy, I have loved you sense I first heard you speak in the 80’s when I was a new believer, I admire you so much. I’ve always thought about speaking and I to was augoraphobic for many years because I was abused so badly by my dad, I never heard anyone speak about it until you came along and I have always felt a kindred spirit with you. One of the things on my bucket list to meet you someday but I’m afraid it will have to be in heaven, I don’t think you will be coming over anytime too soon for coffee. Haha. I love you Patsy, keep blessing Gods people and hopefully those who will become Gods people. Blessings, Lori.
Sorry to hear of your struggles, but thankful you are doing better.
Oh, Patsy, I think of all the beautiful fall leaves that were in your yard when you had the first, On the Porch With Patsy. They were so beautiful, the reds, yellows, and orange. We don’t have the vibrant colors in Texas as you do in Tennessee. It was a beautiful time to be at your house, greeted by lovely friends of yours with hot cider and a lovely lunch and then a stroll into the quaint little town of Franklin. Memories and friendships made that I will forever treasure.
I’m not fond of bare leaves and cold weather of winter but I tell myself that it’s all part of God’s plan. I’ll take His plan any day.
Love to you and Les,
Brenda
I have read and loved all of these with the exception of Redeeming Love. I will have to add that to my list.
Oh Traci, that’s a must read!
Your words and your heart are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
Thank you!
Love ur book selections! I’ve read all except that one from Francis Chan. Great minds think alike! Loved hearing u speak in Woodstock, GA with my 2 BFF’s! God Bless You!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the event as well!
Hinds feet on high places is my all time favorite book. Many times on this journey called life I have been much afraid of the next journey, the next step for that matter. When all I need to do is trust and follow my Good Shepherd! He is always faithful to take me to the high places!!
A book of such hope!
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