The Hardest Part to See

This is true of a lot of us, I think. Whether unrecognizable because of pain or injury, hidden away by our self-preserving fear, or overlooked by those who won’t take the time… the heart, the human essence, is quite often the hardest part to see. We were made to know and be known, and living with an isolated heart – whatever the reason – slowly suffocates. I know because I’ve felt it. Paralyzed by pride and the fear of what “they” would think if my heart was on display, I locked it up – for my eyes and God’s only. The thing was, even though it was I who’d built up these walls, it still hurt that no one seemed to see that they were there or tried to tear them down. But as Christ filled my heart, I learned of the perfectly rational fearlessness that accompanies the faith of His children. And as His love grew in me, the overflow of my heart forbid I keep it locked up anymore. The scariest, best things I’ve done since then are take steps on the road to authenticity: sharing boldly, fearlessly the One who’s filled my heart and the dreams He’s planted there; letting it be known that I’m not good and I don’t have it together all the time – but He is and He does. I’ve found joy and power in unlocking these pieces of my heart, and peace in knowing that even if no one else takes the time to see… He always does. And I’ve learned to take second looks at the people whose hearts don’t seem quite visible. Because I’ve felt the stares that go straight through the heart without really seeing it, and I know that this unseeing pretense is painful. But I’ve also experienced the One who never pretends because He doesn’t have to… the One whose heart sees the way I only wish mine could. The One who sees me, and gives sight to blind eyes that I too might see others the way He does.