Three Truths for When It’s Hard to Move On
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What do a Rottweiler, falling leaves and a beggar’s robe have in common? They all teach us a lot about letting go and moving forward.
My hubs couldn’t wait for me to check out the YouTube clip. A burly man started his motivational speech tame enough, but it wasn’t long until he was barking out his inspirational message like a Rottweiler freed of his leash. The guy was passionate! And his talk?
It was GOOD.
But have you ever noticed that the best movie, the best song, or even the best talk rarely leaves you with more than one thing that you can really remember?
My loud, inspirational, friend shared a ton of pearls, but the one that stuck with me was this—
You can’t get there from here.
- There are some skills we will probably never acquire because we can’t be good at everything.
- No amount of cussing or crying will undo the dent in the front bumper.
- We can’t make someone else do something just because we’re convinced it would be in their best interest.
- We can’t reach back into the past and change it because it’s in the past.
“You can’t get there from here” is a wisdom that has a hundred different applications. Today, it’s helping me move on as our adult kids move out.
The other day someone posted a beautiful image of leaves falling with the quote:
The leaves are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.
Now every time see a fallen leaf I smile.
My Rottweiler friend and falling leaves are teaching me that there are brain and beauty in letting go. But an even more profound example of this truth can be found in a tiny detail tucked away in a very familiar story.
The text is short, so I’ll share it. As you read it, see if you can guess the pivotal moment when Bartimaeus chose to act on the truth.
By that time, they had reached Jericho; as they passed through the town, a crowd of people followed along. They came to a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, who sat beside the main road. When he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing in that throng, he called out in a loud voice.
Bartimaeus: Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me!
Disgusted by the blind man’s public display, others in the crowd tried to silence him until the Master passed.
Some of the Crowd (to Bartimaeus): Good news! Jesus has heard you. Listen—He calls for you. Get up and go to Him.
Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar’s robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus.
Jesus: What do you want from Me?
Bartimaeus: Teacher, I want to see.
Jesus: Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace. Mark 10:46-52
Did you catch it?
He cast aside his beggar’s robe.
The robe was most likely all he had. If he had been sitting on it, it’s where his coins would have been collected.
And yet, if Bartimaeus had sat on his robe dwelling on his prior or current life he might have missed the radically new life that was literally a few feet in front of him. Somehow, he must have known he’d never get to that place if he stayed where he was.
Our robe may be the thing that we’re familiar with and possibly dependent upon, but if we want to experience the next great thing God has for us we may have to set it aside.
When we’re facing significant transitions in life, whether it be in a career, in a relationship, or even in regard to personal goals, it is good to remember these three things:
01
We can’t get there from here.
02
Letting go can be lovely.
03
We may need to cast aside our beggar’s robe.
I’m preaching these truths to myself as I navigate God’s next thing for me and it’s helping. I hope they help you too.
Savoring the journey with you,
Cindy
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Crystal Hornback
This is SO GOOD, and so timely Cindy! I needed these exact words today; thank you! Praying for your momma heart as you seek beauty in the letting go. Love you SO BIG!
Cindy
I’m so glad they helped Crystal. You know me… as always my writing is a #preachingittomyslef so I know where you’re coming from. You’ll be in my prayers as we navigate these changes in our own tribe! Love you too friend!
Michele Oleary
Sis, love every word. I am going to write out the 1, 2, and 3 reminders. Letting go…painful at times but it does allow Jesus’ presence and peace to flow in. I love you. Miss you already.
(I am starting to look for a yellow bag for myself this week. Kelly allowed me to touch her bag one last time before my flight. I had to let it go…)
Cindy
That’s so true Michelle. Letting go makes more room for Him! (And I’m hoping you find a replacement for your yellow bag…you are a hoot!!!)