"How's your heart?"
One of my best friends regularly checks on my heart.
He does it very bluntly.
"How's your heart?"
I stumble through my answer every time. In some ways, I think that's how it should be. An invitation to slow down and reflect on what's happening in my inner world while the world around me spins faster and faster.
The question is a gift! Ask it to the friends you love.
As I sit down to reflect on a full Monday, I realize, my heart is full.
My heart is full as I think about Kelcie's baptism. It's transformational stuff when a young girl gives her life to following Jesus! Even more so as I think about those she loves watching on and considering the reality of her decision... Even more so as the majority of her school's staff stood and gave evidence to a God who sees us and sends his love to us through his people.. We're with you Kelcie! Love Jesus most! My heart is full..
My heart is full as I picture the joy on CCC members faces as they served at the Neighbors and Nations conference. So many of our church family served in a variety of capacities - and did it with great joy! Christ Community, you inspire me to serve and love Shelbyville with gladness and humility. My heart is full!
My heart is full as I think about the many brothers and sisters Nik & Ruth Ripken have introduced us to through stories that I will one day get to share eternity with. Nik & Ruth have both jumped right into the CCC body over the last several years and also shaped it profoundly as they've honored us with the stories of our brothers and sister around the world who have been persecuted for their faith. This weekend, I found myself thinking time and time again about being with them in the city that is to come. That is going to be incredibly, incredibly, SWEET! If you missed Nik's message yesterday, catch it here or anywhere you get your podcasts. My heart was and is full.
After all that good news, let me also say this:
My heart is filled up with the cares and concerns of this world. There's never-ending to-do lists, infinite invitations to the next thing, and somtimes just too much stuff to manage. That stuff fills spaces in my heart even when I don't want it to at times. My heart is full.
What to do about a full heart.. When my heart gets full, I often experience some fear and anxiety. I'm afraid that pride is going to wreck my heart! And to pretend like I have the antidote to that would be even more.. pride. So, what to do? The Spirit brought to mind Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 8:1: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
My heart is full. It's time to continue to love; It's time to build up the strength of my heart as I love and care for others and pour myself out in love to God.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)