How You Know When It’s Time to Let Go

Letting go is like riding a bike without training wheels or swimming in the deep-end with no floaties for the very first time.

Do you remember riding down your block with the added security of training wheels and swimming in the deep end with floaties? It was like you were doing your thing but really something else was doing it for you. You were doing it unafraid, but that was to prepare you to one day face the fears you did not yet realize you had and overcome them because you done it before.

Remember when the time came for the training wheels to come off and the floaties to be deflated, and you got to learn what it was like to do it for real?

You were probably scared, but you trusted your mom, your dad, or the person who was there for you cheering you on, telling you to stay steady as they ran behind you while the holding on to the back off your bike. You trusted the swim instructor when he said, “I got you,” and you knew he was right there as you swam in the deep end of the pool.

You were ready to let go of what you once knew with all the comforts and security that once held hold you.

When they knew you could pass the test, enjoy the next level and handle the experiences it would bring, the wonder of trying something new — because you were old enough, unafraid enough, prepared enough, understood enough, had tried and failed enough, your instructor, mom, dad or whoever it was let go and then you let go, and boom you were riding with no training wheels, you were swimming like a fish in the deep end for the very first time. Next thing you know you’re doing dives and riding your bike hands free down your street. Doing the thang for real! O.K. Or was that just me?

The point is, it’s the same way with God and letting  go of things as adults, and yes, even letting go of people.

It’s scary to think about — quitting a job, going back to school, starting a business,  life without a spouse or a friend, or letting go of your adult children. Seasons change and things and people change. When change happens, it requires us to either trust God and let go of what we were holding onto or stay stuck and watch everyone else ride with the training wheels off and swim in the deep end.

At some point the training wheels have to come off and the floaties have to go bye-bye.

If you keep holding on to what was — the things that you know you can do, the things you know your good at, and never try anything new you will never know the joy and wonders that awaits you. If you hold onto people who you need to let go, you nor they will ever know what it like to let God BE and bring the whatever we need.

When we’re ready — old enough, unafraid enough, prepared enough, understand enough, tried and failed enough, and not a moment before, you will hear God will say, “It’s time to let go. I’m right here. I got you.” This is how you will know it’s time to let go.

Only we let go and get past our initial fears do we get to experience the new plans God has in store. Beloved, is it time for you to let?