Embracing Necessary Endings for Spiritual and Personal Growth
In life and in faith, we often come across moments that demand a hard stop, a definitive ending. While these necessary endings can be painful, they're also infused with immense potential for exponential growth as Christian women in leadership. Inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud’s insights and grounded in biblical wisdom, let’s explore why embracing these endings is not only essential but ultimately good.
1. The Natural Rhythm of Endings and New Beginnings: Just as nature cycles through seasons, so do our lives including business, careers etc. Dr. Henry Cloud emphasizes that endings are a natural and necessary part of life’s rhythm. Whether it’s moving on from toxic relationships, outdated business practices, or unproductive habits, these endings make room for new growth and opportunities. In the spiritual context, this mirrors the biblical principle of seasons: “a time to plant and a time to uproot” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). By embracing these natural cycles, we align ourselves more closely with God’s timing and the work He is doing in our lives.
A Time for Everything
3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
2. Recognizing When It’s Time to Let Go: Identifying when to end something can be challenging, bringing with it fears of the unknown and potential discomfort. However, Dr. Cloud suggests that recognizing these necessary endings is crucial for our personal and spiritual development. Clinging to the past often leads to stagnation, but letting go opens us to new possibilities and blessings. As Christians, we are called to discernment, to listen for God’s guidance on what to prune from our lives to foster growth and health.
3. Growth Mindset: Viewing Endings as Opportunities: Endings are not failures — they are opportunities for growth and new beginnings. Adopting a growth mindset helps us to see the positive potential in endings, as advocated by Dr. Cloud. This perspective is vital for anyone looking to evolve and improve continuously. In the spiritual journey, every ending is a chance to renew our faith and commitment, to deepen our understanding and trust in God’s plan.
I first heard of Dr. Henry Cloud and his book years ago while working at another job and I knew The Lord was leading me out, but it was scary. I was leaving my work family, something familiar and really, something I was really good at. But, change was inevitable and God was doing something new in me.
As I look back, it was the first time I really embraced the fact that necessary endings are GOOD even when there painful. I can look back over the years and see where I have embraced change or endings with a smile and at times through tears. But each time, I grew, I learned and I changed for the better.
You see, in order to MULTIPLY we must PRUNE, too, and we find it all over the Bible. Pruning and letting go is part of growth. Necessary endings are a part of life and although sometimes painful, they are always GOOD!
Have you faced a necessary ending recently? How did it impact your journey with God? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another as we navigate these transformative moments together.