Giving My Best

God reminded me of this story as I have been struggling over some of the things He is asking me to give up right now.

My mom's friend had asked to borrow one of my dolls for an extended period. I loved my dolls, and really did not want to loan her one. I agonized over it, and finally loaned her this doll that I really did not like at all, Kendra. She was made of hard plastic and was made to stand up, not lay down. My very favorite doll was named Susie, and she had a soft, cuddly body, and looked just like a real baby. So I kept Susie and gave up Kendra. Then my mom's friend invited us over to have lunch, and while we were there she returned Kendra -- along with an amazing wardrobe of handmade doll clothes -- made exactly to fit Kendra. I actually wanted to cry when I saw them.

This story shook me awake -- reminding me of what I already know and should never foget -- that even if He seems to be asking me to give up something, He is only doing it to give me something amazing back. And giving Him my best will ultimately make me the most happy.