Time to let go and move forward

The inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States marked the end of one administration and the beginning of a new one. Endings can be tricky, though. For example, the ending of a job or marriage can signal a shift in identity and daily routines, creating uncertainty – and anxiety – for what lies ahead.

Even celebratory endings, such as a graduation or retirement, can be marked by a sense of loss, as the comfort of known roles and routines end.

What about that kitchen appliance that promised to revolutionize meal prep or the exercise equipment that would transform our fitness routine, but only ended up gathering dust in the corner? Sometimes we just have to let go of what isn’t adding value to our lives and make room for new beginnings.

In the book “Necessary Endings,” Dr. Henry Cloud writes, “Endings are woven into the fabric of life itself, both when it goes well and also when it doesn’t. On the good side of life, for us to ever get to a new level, a new tomorrow or the next step, something needs to give.”

Letting go is a powerful statement, after all. It’s an acknowledgment that it’s time to move forward.

And in many ways, last November, that’s exactly what the American people did.

If you watched the inauguration that just took place, you likely saw a garbage truck as part of the ceremonies, as the inaugural parade made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s the same garbage truck that Trump rode in during the campaign last October – all because Joe Biden had called Trump supporters “garbage” – leading many Republicans to dress up in garbage bags and reflective vests for Halloween the following day.

Some called Trump’s climbing into the passenger seat of a garbage truck a campaign “stunt.”

But this really wasn’t a stunt. Yes, of course, Trump wanted to highlight Biden’s insult of Trump supporters, but it also sent a message that Trump is willing to get his hands dirty, that sometimes we just have to clean up our mess and make room for what’s next.

That garbage truck, in many ways, represents the act of discarding what no longer serves the nation — a cathartic process of throwing out bad purchasing decisions, failed policies or ideologies that have outlived their usefulness. It’s like of God.” The lesson here is that by clinging to the past failures and holding on to things that are no longer useful, we cannot move forward in His work.

After all, without the ability to end things, people stay stuck and never become who decluttering your home of clothes you no longer wear or cleaning out that “junk” drawer in your kitchen.

It’s because every item we keep requires some level of attention, even if it’s just occupying space in our minds. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we free ourselves to focus on what truly matters.

We see this in the Bible. God’s blessings often come when we least expect them, but to receive them, our hands and hearts must be open – not filled with nonsense and distractions.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks to us about the importance of letting go of what no longer serves us. In Luke 9:62, He says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them.

And whether it’s a new relationship, career opportunity or leader of the free world, “endings” are necessary to make room in our lives for God’s blessings to take root — and from all appearances in Washington, D.C., they already have.

Louis R. Avallone is a Shreveport businessman, attorney and author of “Bright Spots, Big Country, What Makes America Great.” He is also a former aide to U.S. Representative Jim McCrery and editor of The Caddo Republican. His columns have appeared regularly in 318 Forum since 2007. Follow him on Facebook, on Twitter @louisravallone or by e-mail at louisavallone@mac.com, and on American Ground Radio at 101.7FM and 710 AM, weeknights from 6 - 7 p.m., and streaming live on keelnews.com.