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Do you know why trees’ leaves change color and fall off?
As the days grow shorter in the fall, trees begin to break down chlorophyll—the pigment that makes leaves green. This process helps the tree conserve valuable nutrients for winter. As the green fades, other pigments that were already present—like yellow, orange, and red—begin to show. Some trees even create new red or purple pigments from sugars trapped in the leaves during bright, cool days and cold nights with enough moisture.
Eventually, the leaves fall. This isn’t random—it’s a survival strategy. The tree is conserving energy, water, and nutrients while protecting itself from damage during harsh winter weather. Shorter days and colder temperatures signal the tree to stop producing chlorophyll, retrieve what nutrients it can from its leaves, and form a layer of cells that cuts off the leaf’s connection. Then wind or gravity does the rest.
By shedding its leaves, the tree enters dormancy—its version of rest and renewal. Without the extra weight of leaves, it avoids breakage from snow or ice, conserves water when the ground freezes, and prepares for the next season of growth.
How amazing is that?
Just pause for a moment and think about the intricate design God placed in something as simple as a tree. Each one different, yet each follows this same wise rhythm: it senses a difficult season approaching and prepares by releasing what it doesn’t need.
When winter comes, the tree lets go of its leaves—its “baggage”—so it can survive the storm. By releasing what’s no longer necessary, the tree preserves what truly matters. And when spring arrives, it’s ready to bloom again, renewed and unburdened.
What a powerful picture of our own lives.
How often do we hold tightly to things God is calling us to release? In seasons of struggle or heartache, we cling to grief, old wounds, broken relationships, overcommitments, or false beliefs about ourselves—trying to carry it all when God is gently saying, “Let it go. Give it to Me.”
When we hold on, we drain the energy we need to stay grounded in Him. We risk entering the next season too weary to blossom.
If I asked for a show of hands, I’d have both of mine raised—probably both feet too. I know the struggle to release control all too well. But over the past few years, God has convicted me again and again: stop clinging to what He has already removed. Whether it’s people, plans, or lies I’ve believed about myself, He keeps whispering, “Let it go.”
(Okay—yes, if you hear the Frozen song in your head right now. Go ahead, sing it out and then come back.)
Here’s my challenge for you today—the same one God placed on my heart during a recent walk while I watched the trees prepare for winter:
What is God asking you to let go of in this season?
Letting go isn’t failure—it’s obedience. Not letting go when God asks is sin. Whatever He’s calling you to release—a relationship, a job, a commitment, a habit, past hurt, even your own expectations—trust Him with it.
Because just like the trees, when we release what’s no longer meant for this season, we make room for the new growth God is preparing in the next.
What do you need to let go of my friend? Spend time asking God and listening to Him today.
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Susan is an author and speaker who loves to share her journey of God’s redemption and encourage others as they look to God. As a former elementary teacher with a passion for teaching, Susan also owns her own tutoring and consulting business where she empowers students and parents in reading. She lives in Missouri with her adorable and grumpy Persian cat.
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Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
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