Our standard schnauzer, Duke, is crazy about tennis balls (especially ones that squeak, but that is beside the point).I had just bought him a new ball to play with but he was adamant about keeping the old filthy one. He ran around desperately trying to keep it, but little did he know I had a newer, even better toy for him. It was as if he didn't believe I could have something he'd love more. I just wanted to swap the dirty, torn ball for something I knew was safer (and squeakier!)
As I finally managed to trade the old ball for the new one, I realized that is a lot how we are with God. We hold onto possessions, bad memories, dreams, hope, even guilt or sin, unwilling to trust that God could have something better in store for us. After all, how could God's plans be better than our own? And even if they were, it's scary letting go!
The truth is that the very one who created each of us knows us well. Holding onto hurt, forgiveness, shame and fear are just as futile as Duke gripping onto the muddy, broken ball. He had no idea that in releasing the old toy, he was about to get something in exchange that he'd enjoy even more.
If we can love our pets or children and take care of them, how much more our father in heaven loves and wants to provide for us! The thing is, we can't receive his blessings with clenched fists and callused hearts. Ironically, it's through letting go of our plans and stepping out in faith that we find a life unleashed in Christ which is more extraordinary that we ever could have imagined for ourselves.
