in the tension

I read this blog just now and it hit close to home.
http://www.theflourishblog.com/2013/04/what-do-you-think-about-me.html

I knew in part but not in full just how very much I needed to hear those words spoken over me.

Delight. Cherish.

For too long I took what was given.

Too much. Too emotional. Too dramatic.

It was a revelation to me to learn that others had struggled under the weight of words bestowed upon them by others, and that these words are not true. Truth comes from my Father.

When others keep their distance, He says "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

He says come as you are, no matter what, and I'll hold you.

When I seek to be known and others turn away, He says, "Seek and you will find me".

He offers relationship.

When I am hurt and cry out for help and others keep a safe distance hoping I will work it out on my own, He weeps and longs to gather me in His arms like a mother hen gathers her chicks under the safety of her wings.

He offers protection.

When others wait for me to get it all together before offering approval, I am reminded that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

He offers unconditional love and support.

I love you, Jesus, and I thank you, Jesus. Slowly, slowly, I am learning to lean more on Him and lessen my grip on what little this world has to offer. We are in this hard place of tension between wanting to love deeply those who are in this world but not wanting to hang on too tightly to what this world has to offer.

So. Here in the tension, I am thankful. For the Flourish blog.  For Joe who speaks words of wisdom and comfort. For friends who hug and check in and keep sending me scripture to get my compass pointed back to the True North. For the hope that tomorrow brings. For His mercies are new every morning. And, arms wide open, I embrace them and cling tightly to what will never pass away.