Recently a colleague, friend, and brother in Christ asked me how I was doing so I gave him an immediate shallow response of “all good” (I lied). He then asked with a warmer sentiment, “How are you really doing my brother?” I paused briefly to decide whether or not to let my guard down, knowing that a real conversation would likely result in me having tears. Many thoughts rushed through my brain as I mentally spun the roulette wheel to decide which emotional compartment to open. Do I open up about my mom, my dad, changes at work, our pending relocation, something else, or keep holding it all in?
What did I have to lose by being vulnerable? Was it pride holding me back? Life is too short to mask our emotions so I took a chance and let it all out.
Don’t let the sin of pride get in the way of being vulnerable. We were made to have relationships with other humans and most importantly, with our creator. Open your heart, and let His love pour in. From the conversations that followed, my spirit felt renewed. The Holy Spirit was and is at work.
13 A glad heart makes a happy face;
a broken heart crushes the spirit.
15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health. (Proverbs 15:13, 15, 30)
Today’s reading: Proverbs 14-15; Romans 14