When last we spoke I mentioned I had been noticing some recurring patterns. Again I am cognisant of those connections, seeing them more clearly and appreciating the synchronicities.
On this edition of “Becoming Today”, we’ll discuss how letting go of some things allows them and us to blossom.
One of the concurrences of events I’m recognizing today is how the changes I seek come right as the seasons change literally.
With today’s Vernal Equinox in the northern hemisphere, Spring is a time of reemergence. It signals the shifting of life’s processes of reemerging from the “Depths of Dormancy” and causing us to blossom once more.
Looking at some of the traditional symbols associated with this seasonal change, it is easy to see why this time of year is ideal to “bloom where we are planted’.
Spring has generally been accepted as the start of something new, a time of new beginnings, a period of progress, the blossoming of new things, birth, growth and creating new life. All very “Becoming” aspects.
Throughout the ages, poets, philosophers and theologians have looked at Spring as a time to refocus on fertility, rebirth, renewal, creativity, rejoicing, self-expression, productivity and transition.
These are all forms of new beginnings like the ones we may envision for ourselves.
Then there are the new beginnings and needs for releasing that we do not always see, yet are necessary. Those are the ones we’ll talk about in today’s “Lenten Letter”.
Hello All,
When I began this experiment I wrote that throughout the Lenten season “I will be writing a letter a day addressing something that I need to release, revise or rejuvenate in my life. As I share this idea with you, I’m still uncertain as to what exact format or style these letters will develop as.
It is my intention to let the Spirit guide me into identifying the area of need, and then seeking resolution and support for them. In releasing the ties that bind, I know that growth and healing will follow. My goal is that will refresh my perspective and lead me to my own series of resurrections along our shared path”.
Even in secular culture the idea of giving something up for Lent has increased in practice in recent years. Though without the deep spiritual connection it seems many of the promises of giving something up, fail just as quickly as New Year’s resolutions do.
The thought behind giving up things as simple as chocolate or practicing temporary dietary restrictions on certain days is that when you deny yourself those things, your thoughts will be refocused on Jesus.
It’s a good thought but a mere statement of ‘I’ll go without this…’, is obviously not binding and I do not believe many who publicly proclaim these actions are following through. Also those who call attention to what they claim to be doing it seems are seeking adoration for it and not truly recognizing the need for a more righteous approach.
Over the past several years I have stepped back from the idea, feeling I didn’t want to partake in something that had devolved into a show rather than an action.
However this year, I am undertaking this practice and publicly holding myself accountable to it.
Today’s release is very specific. It is not a thing I’m having to “give up”, rather it is someone.
Not that I am giving up on them. Not that they are no longer welcome, rather a reminder that some people come for a season, others for a reason.
As I am saying ‘so long’ to “L” today, there are tears being shed, but I know that as those tears are wiped away we can, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
The past seven months of my life have taken me places I didn’t see coming, taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed to learn, and brought dozens of people into my sphere.
Some left as quickly as they appeared. Most I’ll never know what has become of them, but parted feeling confident that they were moving closer to blossoming.
A few went on to other levels. Two departed this realm, both tragically. One at the hands of a “distracted” driver; the other by their own hand. A few others just also disappeared. Whether by choice or due to more nefarious reasons I may never find out.
In releasing all these fellow travelers, I have learned, comforted, nurtured and assisted.
Today’s departure is a bit different because “L” was around the longest, through several actual and metaphorical seasons and they’re were multiple reasons we both have come to understand was necessary for our paths running together.
While her blossoming would appear in the eyes of the world to have happened overnight, it was not. It follows months of struggle and search, pain and gain, laughter and tears, effort and a consistent need for patience.
I am happy for her that in the near term her path will be far straighter. While the results she needed happened suddenly, almost in the snap of a finger, I understand and accept that it was occurring now, because it was simply the right time. A time previously anointed, a time that she was intended to be blessed with.
And while she relayed the news to me saying it was so unexpected, I knew in my heart it was not. I had been sensing for a few weeks that some things were about to change, shift, transform.
However I was trying to find a way to prepare her, for me going along a different fork. I had been praying and working to ensure that she would be provided for as I also remained determined to see my next step.
Hers apparently was destined to come first. I am glad for that.
As much of this process of “giving things up” for Lent has resulted in, I felt an immediate sense of relief, a weight lifting. A reassurance that all is well and will continue to be so. For both of us.
It is necessary for her to bloom more fully and for me to begin my own reemergence and blossoming.
I pray each of you are also finding your way towards a rebirth of some kind as we enter this Spring together.
Love,
Rochelle
I recently read an email from Dr. David Jeremiah in which he noted, “When God shows us the way forward, we shouldn’t hesitate a moment before preceding”.
That’s where I find myself at this instance in time. With the realization through revelation that in order for things to blossom for all parties involved must let go to allow lives to blossom.
So without hesitation, I am enduring to continue moving forward closer to those resurrections we can each experience in this season.
Growth is good. Change is constant. As for what turns up next, make sure you decide to stop by and join us tomorrow, on our next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 