I love autumn.
Summer is so bright and intense, I wake up feeling obligated to go somewhere and do something. People are always asking, “What are your plans for the summer?”. There is pressure to have an exciting destination in your back pocket. The truth is I just want to eat lots of peaches, watch some good summer flicks and hang out at the beach in my flip flops.
Fall is more my style. It gets darker sooner and everything slows down. It’s the perfect time to be outside too, if you ask me. Take hiking. There’s a lot less dust and quieter, except for the sound of a crunchy trail blanketed with falling leaves. It’s hard to beat.
I wish I felt the same about my worries. All those things I juggle around in my head, I wish they could take a collective sigh, right along with nature.
It’s those plates I keep spinning. They wear on my heart and keep my soul busy.
If only I can shed them the way the trees shed their leaves. If only I could let one fall.
The Pressure
We weren’t originally designed to keep everything in play all the time. Something got broken in us when we left the Garden of Eden. We stopped trusting that God was good and we were the apple of His eye. We have this suspicious feeling about letting go and letting God take us through the natural course of things.
Now, if you were to change the subject and talk about laundry, my problem with letting go dissipates. My husband probably wishes otherwise, but I’m good at not sweating the small stuff. I like to worry about the big problems. I get such a great mental workout from organizing all the unresolved questions and playing out the different scenarios, my memory’s practically guaranteed in old age.
I thought really hard about overhauling this mindset recently. I got tired of keeping up with all the activity, trying to work everything out to its optimal outcome. I noticed I stopped laughing at my own jokes.
Even in matters of faith, especially when it comes to pleasing God, we can put so much pressure on ourselves to live fruitful lives. We forget that fruitfulness comes from allowing God to work in us through our circumstances — not our ability to effectively make everything work out right.
Necessary Endings
There comes a time when God brings us into a season of autumn. Where there was once fervor and activity, He calls us to let go and slow down. He doesn’t quiet our lives because we’ve done something bad. God does it to release us from the burden of keeping things alive that really should be dying.
It’s hard to give up on my version of endings. When I’m into a really good book that’s got the heroine steep in trouble, I forget about sleep. I plow through to The End and wake up with a crink in my neck. I want the story to turn out the way I want.
It’s in my nature to hold onto my problems, relationships, and ideals so that I can work them out.
Meanwhile, God is not derailed in His commitment or love for me.
There are necessary endings, Bonnie.
Let the plate fall. It needs to break.
Let me take care of you.
Intense pressure may have worked well to achieve a difficult goal. It may even have been necessary if we were thrown headlong into crisis or involuntarily trapped in a stressful relationship. What worked for us earlier, though, can leave us weighed down and overloaded.
God’s idea of a purposeful life is so different from ours. He wants us to trust Him so completely, we would risk letting go and place ourselves willingly in the uncomfortable position of surrender.
When we can trust Him with our endings, we will discover He can carry us. He is good.
We will see the beauty of leaves falling and understand we can experience this beauty in our souls. We learn to recognize the Voice of Love that calls to us behind the shattering of plates falling. We learn that God’s love can sustain us and new seeds of faith will be planted and grow.
~~~~~~
“I am Thine, O Lord,
I have heard Thy Voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
and be closer drawn to Thee.”
~ Lyrics to Hymn “I Am Thine, O Lord”
by Fanny Crosby
~~~~~~
“…We rely on the love God has for us.
…God is love… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:16-18
~~~~~
Is there a plate you’re spinning that God is saying to let fall?
Photo courtesy of Photobucket.
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Letting The Plates Fall | Faith Barista says
[…] …To read the rest of my story and see what happened next – click here and jump over to DaySpring’s (In)Courage website, where today’s post is published. […]
Amy says
Your post is a timely word for my heart. I keep mulling this over: “God does it to release us from the burden of keeping things alive that really should be dying.” Thanks for letting Him speak through you!
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Amy!
Lisa H says
Yes there is a plate, more like a big turkey platter, that is spinning wildly out of control in my mind. And God is telling me rather boldly that it needs to drop. I need to drop it and trust Him to carry me through the effects of the shattering.
Pray that today is the day I let that plate fall as I meet with my counselor again. If I can just open up the sealed box of emotions and memories that are sitting in the middle of the platter/my heart then maybe I will let this thing fall once and for all. Then maybe I will give God control and watch him piece me back together. I need to let this go, I need to move on, I really need to TRUST that I will be okay if I do this………….
Bonnie Gray says
Lisa, thanks for sharing. It isn’t easy to let go, but God will not leave you in this process. He is faithful.
Angie S says
These words are balm for my soul, I will be back to reread them. Thanks for being God’s messenger. I pray that I will be able to absorb them, allowing God to work on my heart.
Bonnie Gray says
What a beautiful prayer, Angie.
Liza says
This msg is in tune with what I faced last week. A commitment I made which was for 10 months I’m told now, will run into 18 months. This affects the other decisions I need to take. I felt God say to me that I needed to let go of ‘timelines’ in my life – what needed to fit in where and just at the right time. And the next day I happened to read Jon Gordon’s article ‘Your Big Life Plan’ in Guideposts, where he wrote – “Trust that there is a plan for you and let the possibilities unfold. In the process you will discover the great things you are born to do. You don’t have to push. Just trust and your destiny will meet you when the time is right.” I guess all my plates have come crashing down! Disappointed? Yes. But I’m learning to let go. :-))
Bonnie Gray says
It’s true, Liza. God seems to have solo rights to our timeline ;). God will carry you through.
Lissa says
For a self-proclaimed control addict like myself, this was a great reminder. Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks, Lissa!
I Live in an Antbed says
To live with a balanced understanding of the seasons of our life brings such freedom. When we understand this principle, we can freely say “no” to the things which don’t belong in our present season. Whatever He calls us to, He abundantly provides the resources for us to complete. Makes me think of Matthew 11: 28-30 in The Message:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Bonnie Gray says
Resting is an act of faith.
Elizabeth says
One plate I have been spinning for years now is a friendship that is clearly dead — what’s left of it is destructive. The signs were there for a long time and I know that I must stop submitting myself to someone else’s antics.
But it is hard when you love them. And they don’t love you back. I am learning and letting it fall. Heartbreaking as it may be.
Bonnie Gray says
Thank you for sharing something so closer to your heart, Elizabeth. Sounds like your heart is breaking but it is also soft and strengthening.
Holley Gerth says
Bonnie, I love how closely you listen to God’s heart and the way you share with all of us what you hear. Your words are manna, food for the soul, served up with a espresso shot of joy too. Thanks for sharing yourself, your journey, with us. Love ya, girly!
Bonnie Gray says
Love you too! My heart breathes here because we can share this journey together, Holley!
Alexandra says
I needed to read this so much… though I wonder when it is God saying “drop the plate” and when it’s just me feeling “I really want to drop this plate and hear the lovely smash”. 🙂
Bonnie Gray says
LOL. It’s not unlikely… it could be both! 🙂
Missy says
These are sweet words to my heart today. I am learning that trying with all my might to hold something together is much harder than just letting it fall apart. Thank you!
Bonnie Gray says
Blessings to your heart today, Missy!
Misty says
This message has spoken to my spirit and I am glad for it. With a history of trying to control people, circumstances, relationships or “endings” in my life, I can honestly say it has left me unfulfilled and frustrated in many ways. It has become clear to me that my need to control comes from fear of conflict, hurt, and trials. I am slowly realizing, though, that this is not how God wants our lives to be. To identify with or partake in the sufferings of Christ requires brokenness that comes through those things that I have tried to avoid. I want to let go so God can have His way. Thank you for this message.
Bonnie Gray says
How self-aware and God-aware you are! “I want to let go so God can have His way…” Beautiful words of faith, Misty.
Mandie says
I was just talking to God about this this morning. Asking him to trust that he will get us through to the end of our adoption journey. We are in the 4-6 weeks of our journey to our daughter waiting in China. We are short on the funds needed to complete the adoption and I am stewing over what I should be doing. As I had a nearly sleepless night I kept thinking and talking to God about it. I am hearing him that I need to trust him to see us through. I am a take charge and make it happen kind of mom and it is hard for me to stop, stand back and let God handle it.
Pray for me that I will let God handle it.
Galen Pearl says
Mandie, I have two daughters adopted from China. The last adoption had so many obstacles. I still have the email from an official telling me that it would never work. At every step, I had to trust that God’s will, whatever it was, would prevail. It was really hard. I didn’t breathe for two months at the end. But here we are, years down the road, and the daughter people said would never be mine is a freshman in college. I know it’s hard. God’s blessings on you and your family. –Galen
Bonnie Gray says
Mandie, I am praying for you right now. May God give you the strength to wait this through and carry you through every step of the way. May He provide your every need!
Tammy says
For this control type A personality just trying to slow down is something God has siad I must do. I need it very much right now…so I am on the path of learning exactly what that looks like.
Bonnie Gray says
You may be feeling like control Type A, but your words tell me He is changing you to be Type F, faithfully learning to depend on Him. Thank you, Tammy!
Anna says
This morning I have been struggling with anxiety regarding a decision to quit a program I am a part of. I click on the (in)courage bookmark thinking perhaps I could find a little something to encourage me. What a relief to read that not only is it okay to let one of my “plates” fall but sometimes God is actually calling me to do so. This spoke directly into my struggle this morning and allowed me to let go of my anxiety and allow the Holy Spirit to take control. Truly thank you, it was such needed blessing.
Bonnie Gray says
Praise God! Thank you for sharing your in-the-moment challenge, Anna! I’m sure it speaks to many who are experiencing the same struggle.
wanda says
Always! I spin many!
My family has this thing they like to do….and it’s called rest!
I know I’m pushing it when the whole gang shuts down and says NO!
Bonnie Gray says
What a helpful family! 🙂 Blessings, Wanda!
Mari Larkin says
So there Bonnie…very timely post for me. I am surrendering taking one small step of faith until God opens up the next door for us. Scary, but very exciting…and hopeful. Also trying to give up the busyness of life, and let some things fall off, to keep the ones that are the most important in my life right now.
Thanks.
Bonnie Gray says
Hi there, Mari! Great to hear your thoughts here today and so encouraged by your faith.
Letting The Plates Fall — When Worry Spins Out Of Control | Faith Barista says
[…] …To read the rest of my story and see what happened next – click here and jump over to DaySpring’s (In)Courage website, where today’s post is published. […]
Galen Pearl says
Losing my way … and finding my way back again. A time of transformation, changes, releasing, becoming. Holding on as life’s current pulls me away from the familiar, feeling my fingers slipping off. Straining to see what’s up ahead.
A place of extreme discomfort. It’s very hard to stay, to tolerate the restlessness, to abide in the unknowing. My instinct is to escape, to choose something, anything, to get relief from the waiting, from the fear.
But my spirit says to wait. To trust. To be willing, when the time comes. And to remember — This moment, this holy instant, is always perfect.
So I wait. Willing, at least trying to be willing, to go to the places that scare me. Trusting, at least trying to trust, that angels surround me and that everything is exactly the way it should be. Perfect.
Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. –Exodus 23:20
Bonnie Gray says
What a wonderful verse! Thanks for adding it to today’s post!
Jesus'Child says
Bonnie Gray is so beautiful!!
Bonnie Gray says
*blush*…
Sisterlisa says
Oh yes! For a long time I felt awful serving God and I felt so awkward feeling that way. I was told not to be a quitter, but my life was far too busy. I had to stop a few things. I feel much better now..I can breathe again. Letting go of something isn’t a bad thing..and we shouldn’t make people feel like it is..if people need a break we should support them in that. I dropped running Toys for Tots, left directing a woman’s recovery home, our family migrated to a smaller fellowship, and we are healthier in heart because of it.
Bonnie Gray says
“I was told not to be a quitter…” Sisterlisa! Good for you for listening to that Voice in your heart and kudos for the fruitfulness that is in your heart now! It’s beauty that God sees and values.
Kristine McGuire says
This is beautiful Bonnie, as always. I do have a tendency to let worry cloud my thoughts but I try to remember what Jesus taught and take one day at a time (or one season of life) at a time.
Julie says
Bonnie,
Thank you for this…I have a few plates that need to drop and I have been too scared to let go of them and just trust.
You have spoken right to my heart today…thank you so very much.
Julie
Grandma Patty Ann says
Hi Bonnie!
I know you were sitting there, writing, talking to me 🙂 Just kidding. But that is what is in my heart and it is so hard to let go. I spent my life being the fixer. My fixer doesn’t work any more. My children don’t need it. And still I cling to that way of life.
Please pray that I can pry my fingers, heart, and head off of worries. Let go and let God.
May God bless you. I love you!
Grandma Patty Ann
Susan says
I have recently been thrown on the spinning platter – that has moved at a pace that doesn’t seem to want to stop – – going round and round. And I hold on – -not asking God, Why? but what? what do you want me to do with this? I currently hate my reality – – – wishing for an escape, but knowing God has allowed the heartache. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit who reminds of God’s word — -(the other day I was driving home and crying, God what do you want me to do? and very clearly I heard “II Chronicles 20:12” . . .so, as soon as I got home, I opened up God’s word and it said: “we don’t know what to do, so we look to you for help.” WOW! so, I’m trying to see, trying to trust . . .today’s post and the things that others have shared have spoken to me. I don’t know what His plan is . . .so I’m trying to believe He does have a plan.
Stephanie says
Hi Bonnie
Thanks for this post. I am totally guilty of letting too many plates spin. It’s time for me to drop them and trust that God has good plans for me.
Dee says
No…we can’t keep all the plates spinning all the time. We do need to let them fall. If we do not catch them to spin another day, He will. And…when we’re ready…if we’re ready to spin it into our lives again, He will have guarded it and nurturned it–kept it safe. He has our back and knows sometimes we try to do way too much and need to let things fall away making room for rest and quality of service. Thanks, again Bonnie…I know trying to do much more than I have wits or time to invest. Ciao!
Sara says
This post Is written for me today. I am so stressed my mind is always working overtime. I can’t stop stressing my heart is aching. I need to leave my life in Gods hands.
Jeri @godsdreamsforme says
Letting the plates fall and watch them turn into beautiful fall leaves instead…I can do that 😀 We’ve been learning to let them fall. And God’s been faithful.
Anonymous says
Thank you for these words. I worry way too much as well. Once again, I have a financial worry. God has always taken care of me when situations like this arise, but yet whenever it rears it’s ugly head again, I seem to take that plate and try to juggle it on my own. It’s time for me to let it drop, shatter to pieces, and let God sweep it away.
Bev McDougal says
I busily finished dead-heading my MIL flowers, aerated the soil so it can absorb the moisture from the winter snow, wound up the hose so it can rest for the seasons in the basement. It is the ending of growth, but also the beginning. Leaves and blooms die so new one can grow. God is ending this season so He can begin the next. Letting God carry me through one ending, reminding me He is doing the carrying, He knows the path, and I, well, I just need the trust and faith to let Him lead-where it may be, because, it will be the best. I am good at organizing beginnings, but grasp too tightly to the product, the service platter, that it’s hard to let go when “meal ” is gone. Thanks, Bonnie, I can relax my grip and know God is there, and it’s OK.
Amy Nabors says
So what I needed to hear today Bonnie. I wrote about being still yesterday and how I’m learning I need to simply be still for him to work on my heart and spirit. Especially about trust lately. Thank you for sharing these words today.
Roel-Christian says
I so needed to hear this/read this ^_^. somewhere inside my heart, i have been troubled with not letting go of things that are already out of hand… I feel at ease, Thank You.
Sandra Heska King says
Stop. Drop. Rest.
Why do we tend to think there is no fruitfulness in that?
I am loving autumn this year more than ever before.
Love you Bonnie Girl.
Tweets that mention Letting The Plates Fall -- Topsy.com says
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Glynn Young, Brooke Greene, Miranda Havlin, Mary Lenaburg, Jay Cookingham and others. Jay Cookingham said: RT @gyoung9751: Letting the Plates Fall, guest post by @TheBonnieGray for @incourage http://bit.ly/c6scRp […]
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Oh Bonnie, you have no idea just how much I needed this RIGHT NOW. As someone in ministry I am used to balancing and juggling many plates, wife, mom, ministry leader, Pastor’s wife, writer, partner…and on and on…but just this week He has been pressing this on my heart. So, when you wrote this: “There are necessary endings, Bonnie (Melissa). Let the plate fall. It needs to break. Let me take care of you.” you spoke right to ME! Thank you for sharing your heart! ~Melissa
My sin | Living Real says
[…] I need to do this, today I’m getting serious. I’m asking a simple question, based on a blog post by Bonnie Gray, the Faith Barista at inCourage. (Ladies, this is one blog you should be […]
Melinda says
After 20 years in ministry we recently took a “sabbatical.” At least that was what it was supposed to be. But rest didn’t come easy and in hindsight I realize it is because I was not willing to let the plates fall. Even when not physically present, I kept them spinning in my mind. Sigh.
We’ve returned to ministry. It’s autumn. Lots of falling leaves. That is why this quote really stands out to me: “There comes a time when God brings us into a season of autumn. Where there was once fervor and activity, He calls us to let go and slow down. He doesn’t quiet our lives because we’ve done something bad. God does it to release us from the burden of keeping things alive that really should be dying.”
It really is a burden to try to control the outcomes that are so far past us. In my spirit I hear the sound of breaking plates. Lord, let me accept the necessary endings and remain focused on You.
Blessings, Bonnie!
Cassi says
I just wrote on a similar topic regarding fall. It’s so good to read others feel God’s call with the season too.
Marica says
First of all, I LOVE that you used the spinning plate analogy! It is my go-to, more than “juggling”. And you are the first person outside myself I’ve seen use it.
Secondly, you must be reading my mail. 🙂 I am myself in “Fall”- and am having a very difficult time with the idea of letting plates fall. Thank you for the fresh dose of perspective!!
Genevieve Thul says
I quoted you yesterday on my blog about letting go. Thanks for your encouraging article! My family is going through a host of difficulties at the moment – a daughter with new disabilities, my cancer treatment, leaving a beloved church – and your post really spoke to my heart and gave me some rest over the past few days since reading it.
http://turquoisegates.blogspot.com/2010/10/letting-go-and-letting-god.html
In His grip,
Gen Thul
Tina says
Bonnie,
It is so hard to let go of the fear when it seems likea lot of your fears do come true! I am trying so hard to Live pleasing to God, especially during this transitional time. I pray that he is happy with my Efforts! May my Life Glorify him andmay he be proud to call me his child!
Love in Christ
Sis in Christ
Tina
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[…] In the past, most of my time spent in spiritual seasons of autumn have swirled around letting go of necessary endings. […]
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[…] In the past, most of my time spent in spiritual seasons of autumn have swirled around letting go of necessary endings. […]