An Open Heart

There is no charm equal to the tenderness of heart ~ Jane Austen

Yesterday, two of my dearest friends, Missy and Lynda, and I put on cute skirts and pretty jewelry and headed to Gooseberries Tea Room for a delightful afternoon tea. We sat down at a table covered in a delicate floral cloth set with pretty white and lavendar china cups and tiny rosebud spoons. Our server, Deb, brought us apricot flavored tea, with a spot of milk, and a basket full of freshly baked heart-shaped scones. We broke open the warm scones, topped them with Devonshire cream and raspberry jam, and spoke of all things womanly: mutual friends, decorating homes, future children, classic books, music, church activities, and new romantic movies we must see. It was a very, very girly day. (And I'm sure I've lost my male audience by now!). But it was wonderful to sit with friends who tenderly love each other simply because of who we are, to be encouraged and supported in life decisions, and to share in the joy and pain life offers as only friends can. It's one of the beautiful parts of life. The thought later came to me, our closest friends believe so much in us, and we in them, and yet why do we have such a hard time believing in ourselves? Why can't we open our own hearts to us?

I heard a line this week that will probably stick with me the rest of my life. It went something like this: "You are free, and yet you are caged by your unbelief." That kind of startled me when I heard it. I can think of so many friends I know who I believe in so much, and yet they are held captive by their fears. It breaks my heart so much for their sake. Then it dawned on me, that as much as I would like to pretend I'm free, I know there are still many areas in my life where I hide myself. I step back to make myself "safe." "Safe" equals protected. I do think stepping back in fear is truly a natural reaction. But safe living isn't really living, it's really just surviving. I truly believe God has called us to live full-on adventureous lives. Lately, I just keep telling myself, "You might be nervous, but do it afraid. At least you know you've tried." I find myself now trusting my own heart more than the fear I felt.

Is it just me or does it feel like there is something changing in the air? Like new beginnings are ahead? This past week I've been engulfed at a few conferences at my church and it seemed like every speaker I heard was talking about taking risk, stepping out into new territory, and just overall expectancy into what God is starting to do. It really left me encouraged and excited because I see things shifting already and I'm looking forward what's ahead.

It's a new day! Open up your heart to you and be prepared. Great things are around the bend.