Letting Go

As she sheds her leaves, she watches their journey
to the ground.  She stands in silence wearing the color
of emptiness, her branches wondering:
HOW DO I GIVE SHADE WITH SO MUCH GONE? 
                                                           (Macrina Weiderkehr)    

I stand alone as this tree.  Slowly being stripped.
Yet, still showing the beauty of the God who  created me.
It helps me understand my vulnerability, my need to let go.
The wind has passed my way and taken away some of my coat.
The rain has poured over me and scattered part of me on the ground below.
What are some of the elements in my life that have forced me to LET GO?
How have I responded to this happening in my life?
Do I still remind myself of my beauty as I am being stripped,
of my youth, vitality, physical and psychological changes?
Are there times when I really don't know how to LET GO?
Contemplate again this tree I accept each new day as it comes.
When I accept myself just as I am, then I can accept change.

I can also begin to LET GO
Dear God, help me believe that my vulnerability, my dependence
and needs, my emptiness to receive are giving me a new kind of beauty."
                                                                                (Adapted Macrina Weiderkeher)