The Beauty of Change
By Kim S. Kinney
One beautiful September day, I took a walk in nature, reveling in the scene playing out all around me. Breathing in the crisp autumn air, I watched as one vibrant leaf after another released its grip on the branches overhead. With graceful ease, they swirled slowly downward, dancing on the gentle breezes.
Bathed in fiery reds, shimmering yellows, and rich oranges, the leaves glistened with a delicate sheen, seemingly unaware of their beauty. With effortless elegance, they cast fleeting shadows on the ground before softly landing, enriching the patchwork of colorful foliage blanketing the earth.
GRACE IN TRANSITION
As I bent down to pick up individual leaves that piqued my interest, memories of collecting fall leaves with my very young children flooded my mind. We would set out on Leaf Adventures, their small hands filling toy buckets with the most beautiful leaves they could find, every leaf a cherished treasure in their innocent eyes. Once home, we decorated their bedroom doors with their finds, securing each one with a loop of masking tape underneath. Their doors brought joy throughout the season as they marveled at the distinct beauty of each leaf.
Summer brings its own unique blessings, but it soon fades away as autumn sweeps in with cooler temperatures, festival celebrations, and abundant harvests. Its arrival is a gift, showcasing the beauty of change in a striking, vivid display of God’s glory! We rejoice in nature’s transformation, applauding the season’s breathtaking splendor.
Yet, in our personal lives, change is often hard, and we tend to resist it. While some changes open doors to new experiences—new careers, transitions, and milestones—others bring a mixture of stress and sorrow, prompting us to resist.
We rejoice in nature’s transformation, applauding the season’s breathtaking splendor.
Yet, in our personal lives, change is often hard, and we tend to resist it.
Fall foliage holds profound insights into embracing life’s transitions. I am always mesmerized by the brilliant leaves on the trees yet dread their shedding. As I reflect, I marvel at the ease with which they release from the branches. The leaves don’t seem to hesitate, struggle, or question God. They simply let go, embracing their transition, as they gracefully drift to the ground.
Eventually the trees stand bare, having sacrificed their leaves as a vital part of their health and growth. The leaves decompose, releasing nutrients and organic matter into the soil which nourish the trees and surrounding plants so they can thrive. The mulch created by these fallen leaves protects the roots during harsh winter months.
As the weeks go by, we notice a unique beauty in the stark barrenness of the trees. The branches, devoid of buds and stripped of color, seem lifeless. Yet in their bare state, they stretch out in an intricate network, silhouetted against the autumn sky. There’s a quiet strength, as they stand tall with a dignity all their own, rooted firmly in the earth. Growth appears to have ceased. Yet, the tree is not dead; it is very much alive, quietly preparing for what’s to come.
THE BEAUTY OF DYING TO SELF
At times, my life is full of lush foliage—a flourishing array of activities, events, and relationships. Yet, with this abundance comes the overgrowth of anxieties, bad habits, harmful emotions, and paralyzing fears. Clinging to this overgrowth hinders my spiritual growth.
The apostle John taught that unless a kernel of wheat dies, it cannot produce a bountiful harvest.
True spiritual growth comes through dying to self—letting go of our way, our will, and our expectations. There is wisdom in letting go of old routines, harmful memories, hurtful expectations, and unhealthy coping mechanisms to nurture the rebirth of our spirit. Just as trees surrender their leaves to be nourished and sustained through the harsh winter, we too must release the worldly leaves we have allowed to adorn and define us. How much more beautiful is our release when we embrace death to self, without hesitating, struggling, or questioning God. But instead, trusting God to nourish and sustain us through the challenging seasons ahead.
I must release the self I know,
Let go of shadows from the past,
So I may flourish, made anew,
And let God nurture what will last.
When we willingly die to self and live for God, a profound transformation takes place as His glory fills us! As it shines in and through us, we become a blinding reflection of His glory, shattering the darkness around us as the extraordinary transects the ordinary. People are drawn to this light, and we become beacons of hope in a desperate world, impacting far more people than we realize. This is our bountiful harvest!
As my walk came to an end, the sun’s golden rays gently enveloped me, warming my face with a tender touch. I paused, soaking in the moment, and reflecting on the exquisite beauty of autumn. I marveled at how God prepares and protects the trees, ensuring a healthy and vibrant rebirth in Spring. In so doing, He showcases the beauty of change. I praise God for how the surrendering of self uncovers a hidden magnificence that only emerges through letting go—the profound transformation of the soul!
About Kim
Originally from the Midwest, Kim and her husband have raised two grown children and now make Charlotte, NC their home. Her lifelong devotion to ministry has been the bedrock of her life’s journey.
Over fifteen years ago, she founded and led an international online ministry for young adults. It was during these years that God ignited her love for writing. She is now an internationally award-winning author of two books.
Kim’s unwavering passion to uplift and encourage others to press through suffering and life’s challenges is evident in her role as an author and speaker. With a blend of humor and biblical insight, she guides women through the depths of anxiety, suffering, depression, and loss, among other challenges.
Kim finds joy in swimming, cycling, indulging in a good read, savoring sunsets, and embracing anything that smells of adventure! Above all, she cherishes precious moments with her beloved family and dogs.
Kim has written two books:
- Living for His Glory is available in print, ebook, and audio. It has won three international and five national awards.
- Reflecting His Glory was published in April and won the International Book Club Finalist award. It is available in print, ebook, and audio.
Both books are also available in large print.
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