Years ago, I was in the kitchen at Lakewood making some hot tea. Several others were taking a break, too, and the kitchen was buzzing with activity. I had my mug in one hand, a spoon in the other and was just about to stir my tea when suddenly, I looked up to see my five-year-old nephew, Christopher, pushing through the crowd and running straight for me! Now although Christopher was less than half my size at the time, he was a strong, solid, boisterous little guy. So I knew I had to brace myself for what was about to happen.
A split second later, Christopher plowed right into me, grabbed me around the legs and started squeezing me as tight as he could! With all the energy he could muster, Christopher was showing me his love, and with all the balance I could muster, I was trying not to spill my hot tea all over both of us! It was a sweet moment, and as much as I wanted to embrace Christopher, my hands were full, so I couldn't. I had to let go of what was in my hands first. As soon as I placed my cup and spoon on the counter, I was able to wrap my arms around little Christopher and return his embrace. Not only was I able to enjoy Christopher's love, but I was able to give love back to him. There was an exchange that took place when I let go of what was in my hands.
How often do we go through life holding on to things we think are important but are not? Sometimes, we can get so busy and have so much in our hands that we completely miss out on the new things right in front of us. We have to be willing to put something down in order to embrace something better.
Is there something you are holding on to today, something that you know you need to let go of to make room for what God is trying to do in your life? Is your schedule overloaded? Are you clinging to a relationship that you know is destructive? Are your thoughts consumed with a situation from your past? You might even be holding on to something good, but good things can also keep our hands too full to embrace God's very best. That day in the kitchen, I was simply holding a cup of tea. It was neither good nor bad, but it was keeping me from enjoying Christopher and allowing him to be a part of my day.
Today, be willing to look at what you have in your hands. Be willing to make adjustments. Be willing to let go so that you can embrace what's most important!
"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB)