I can't let go!

Our giant outside dog, Copper, loves to find two foot long, 2-3" round logs. He proudly carries his latest discovery everywhere, showing all animals and people, "See what I've got? Aren't you proud? You can't have it."

I offer him a dog bone, something he can actually eat - and he LOVES to eat, especially bones! He dances around, clearly torn between the two desires, but he will not put down the stick for the bone.

Our much smaller, inside dog, Nugent, loves his stuffed toys. A few of his favorites are a monkey, which is missing half its face and an arm from too much love, a duck that he stole from my son, and a soccer ball. He carries one of his toys, hanging out of his mouth. I offer him a bone, and his bottom begins to shake because that stub of a tail is wagging so hard with excitement.

"You can have the bone, if you put down the monkey, Nugent." I try to reason with him, but to no avail. Usually, I have to swipe the monkey to give him the bone.

Why won't they give up the toy for something better?

That always gets me thinking. How often do we do that with God? He offers us so much more - a better life, more love, more hope.

Sometimes I wonder if God wants to tell me, "Put down that fear, Paula. I've got so much more for you - beyond your wildest dreams."

There are a lot of things I hang on to that I'm sure He wants me to let go for something much better. What would he say to you? Do you have a habit, worry, or fear that need to be put down to receive His riches? Do you have a relationship or material items that need to go? Whatever it is, what God offers is so much better. He wants what is best for us.

So, let go, and receive.