[as]

The bright red rubies and diamonds lay scattered all around me. Sitting cross-legged, I pick them up and examine them. They are my hopes and my dreams. After caressingly holding each one, I put them in perfect little rows in front of me. I am called to give up my dreams and my plans. But they are so pretty! They sit sparkling before me. Beckoning me to keep them and do what I want to do. Indeed, I hardly know what will happen if I give up my jewels. They are mine. Me. I sigh and slowly drop each glittering ambition into a velvet pouch. Thinking, I rise and begin to walk. Soon, the place I am headed to is in view. Without giving myself time to think, I run. Faster. My pouch is clenched in my hand. Still running, I close my eyes and throw it. Hard. I open my eyes when I hear a splash. I make sure I have hit my target, and that my dreams are indeed lost forever in the river. I feel someone near me. Turning, I behold my savior calling me to Him by the smile on His face, and the outstretching of His hands. In that one look, my anxiety is gone. He is worth losing my dreams for.