Let November Be November

The leaves are going to fall; that's just what they do. We don't rush from tree to tree, sewing each leaf back onto its branch. Rather, we wait for them to fall, until, when the time is right, we gather up our rakes and sweep them to the side.

Control, cherished or detested, tangles itself into our minds and emotions. There is safety in believing God is in control; frustration in experiencing someone too controlling; and an immense amount of pressure when told to get something under control.

I think assurance is the end game. We want to know that what we are doing, what we are a part of, and/or what is going on around us serves a logical and maybe even measurable purpose. Someone has to know what's going on, right? Because if no one really knows, then everything we do could ultimately be for nothing - a disappointing waste of time and energy, putting us in serious risk of foolishness.

But there is a point at which, for the sake of our own peace, we must realize the only thing we can control is ourselves. It is not our job to tell the leaves when or where to fall. It is simply our decision as to when we will rake.

So let the day be what it is, let those around you be who they are, let November be November, and watch the leaves fall.