What a curious title! It makes you wonder, “what is this entry all about?” It can be interpreted in various ways as you shall see if you continue reading, which we hope you will.
‘Fall’ is the American name for the Autumn season. If we’re not mistaken it takes its name from the fact that this season is
associated with the withering and falling of leaves. For the sake of this article we will keep on referring to ‘Autumn’ as ‘Fall’.
Some people love the effect that this season creates: streets covered with carpets of yellowish-brown leaves, the cooler air
relieving the dry Summer heat, the smell of the first rain…
Others aren’t particularly keen on it because of the very same
reasons. It’s a reminder that Summer has come to an end, rainy and
cold days will soon be replacing the warm sunny days, and they don’t
find the sight of bare trees very pleasing.
The four seasons can be seen as a metaphor of the different stages
of our life. And as the seasons keep cycling over and over again so
do the stages of our life; sometimes we’re basking in the sun of our
summertime, enjoying all the good life brings with it, other times
we’re hugging ourselves in a blanket in front of the fireplace,
defending ourselves from the cold bitterness that that same life can
bring.
In between these two extreme seasons (or stages) there are however
two other important stages: Spring, which is associated with the
hope of new beginnings, and Fall, which as we saw it associated with
loss.
Even though, very often the word ‘loss’ has a negative connotation,
this is not always the case. Loss is sometimes necessary; loss can
be a good thing. Losing weight (in a healthy way) is great, “losing”
toxic relationships is liberating, losing the causes of temptation
and sin is a blessing. In order for a new green leaf to grow, the
old leaf needs to wither and fall. In order for our new selves to be
born, our old selves need to wither and fall.
“You were taught, with regards to your former way of life, to put
off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful
desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on
the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and
holiness.” Ephesians 4: 22-24
Just like every season is useful to the natural cycle of the Earth,
every stage in our life is indispensable to the natural cycle of our
existence. So, when you feel like everything in your life is falling
to pieces and nothing seems to be working, remember that this is a
process, that life is preparing you for something new. Have faith
and trust in the natural cycle of life.
God bless you!