It was a GodStop week for me as He works out the places in my life where I never can quite see the answer. What I realized is He is after my whole heart. Half-hearted attempts won’t cut it anymore. As it should be, what used to be enough no longer is. I also have experienced added blessing as we open those places where God is showing me I am not giving enough.
When you come from a place of loss early in your life, it is easy to shut people and situations out that you think may cause you pain. You build walls of protection that actually become the walls that entrap and imprison you. This is not excuse making but I am aware of the whys behind my actions. It seems a shame that in forty-eight years, I have not been able to do much about it and know that I keep people at arms’ length. At some point you realize that you may not have let love in your heart the way God intended for you, and arms’ length becomes no longer acceptable. As I open doors in my friendships and in my marriage, with my Lord and in my life, I realize I am more prone to get hurt, but I am also more likely to experience the fullness of life and joys of love that I have never before been brave enough to “let in.” Surrender doesn’t come easily for this stubborn girl, and even when I know there is blessing waiting on the other side, it is a tough thing to do. My head says, “People hurt you. Watch out.” But my God tells my heart to be courageous. “Above all, love and be true to Me. Be real. Be open. Let others in. Let Me in, and I will bless you beyond anything you can imagine.”
I have experienced that kind of love and amazing joy and blessing this week because I opened my heart just a little bit more. I also experienced some pain because of it. It sounds so elementary and fundamental as I write these words, but it is at the core of our Christian experience. Love and be loved. God is good to guard our hearts. We need only to give them wholly to Him.
Patty at Girlfriends in God graciously hosts Godstop Friday each week. Visit her blog to see how others have had beautiful God revelations this week. If you get a chance, listen to this song and may you be blessed with an open heart to love and be loved by Him.
a view through annie's eyes 
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