Letting Go

"Mine. That's also mine. And future toys will be mine. Mine."

         We're at that time where windows are opening... and pedestrians going past my house are apt to hear a laughing "Drop it! Let it GO!" This is because my dog is NOT one to put down whatever she has in her mouth... usually a chew toy (preferably the one the other dog was playing with) or a puzzle piece (she likes cardboard), or some other form of canine entertainment.

         She had a dilemma recently, however. With a toy in her mouth (I was doing the obligatory play-chasing), she spotted another toy on the ground... Skidding to a stop, she stood there for quite some time, not willing to let go of the toy in her mouth, but also not willing to leave the toy on the ground.

         Tough decisions in dog-land! She tried to pick up both, but couldn't... she debated dropping the one for the other, but wouldn't... she did swap, but then swapped back. If I could see thought bubbles, I expect there would have been a lot of question marks arising.

         I reflected that there are times in all our lives when we have such decisions to make as well. What to hold on to, what to let go, admitting that sometimes we can't have both. What was meaningful 5 years ago may not be as significant in today's reality of our lives, and so we may be called to loosen our grip. What is important today will have been influenced by the past, but until we have space to let it enter our lives, we won't be able to reap the rewards.

         Wherever our energy and interests lie, we want to be able to focus. Be it a prayer practice, an outreach project, a course of study - whatever. We have a limited capacity (even us over-achievers) and therefore get to prayerfully and carefully decide what we want to be carrying.

         Letting go isn't easy, but it can be liberating. We can thank God for what was, and for the lessons we have learned; and ask God to reveal to us something new where our energy will be directed.

         So in this time of pandemic restrictions, when we are all at a space to consider what we value and cherish, we can consider what we're holding - and identify what we want to be holding - and give thanks to God for the holy experience of letting go.