My husband says I have a big heart. I think it is true. I also think I come from a long line of big hearted people and that I get it naturally. I find that it is a blessing but it also can be a difficult thing at times.
Because I have a big heart I feel things maybe just a little bit deeper than someone else does. I take on the pain and sadness of others just a little bit more than others might. Those feelings linger just a little bit longer with me and sometimes it is difficult for me to shake sad situations.
I have so many friends who are going through really tough times right now and my big heart aches. My sweet friend Betty who lost her husband Charlie last month has been on my mind so much lately. When I got a thank you note from her saying she missed him so much every day it made me realize how grateful I am to have Chris around. My heart is full. But my heart aches for Betty who lost her companion of so many years.
Other friends have other things going on. Children who have returned home with financial and health issues, marriages on the rocks, transitions in life in varying forms, dying parents, serious life threatening illnesses, the list goes on and on.
So you can imagine that my heart is really feeling a bit overwhelmed some days when it “feels” all the “feels” for people. When I say I will pray for someone I do and most likely that someone stays on my mind and in my heart for a long time. It’s just the way God made me. I don’t easily forget those who are hurting.
Funny thing but I realize I have always been this way. I have always stuck up for the underdog, felt deeply for those suffering injustices and been the one that folks seem to gravitate towards for encouragement. I specifically remember times in high school when I defended a young man who was different. Bullying has always existed, folks, maybe just not in the spotlight like it is today.
Even though it hurts sometimes to feel so deeply I am grateful that God made me exactly like He made me. Without this part of me I would not be me. I am no better than anyone else — just have this special part of me like everyone else has special parts. Today I am embracing who I am and what makes me different.
I would love to hear what you feel one of your strengths is. Tell me all about it in the comments and Comment for a Cause for our new recipient — Friends of DuPont Forest.
14 Comments
Leave a commentYou do have a big heart and care about everyone in your very large circle of friends and family. May that never change. Even though it probably causes you sleepless nights. I too worry about my loved ones and those who are suffering but have finally realized some things are out of my hands.
I agree–some things are out of my hands but I just try to turn them over to God, trust Him and share my concern and love in all of the ways that I can. Having a big heart is a great thing in my humble opinion.
Lovely friend, you do have a big heart and you feel all the feels (an expression Allie uses but it fits you).
I do feel all the feels and that is a good thing! I would rather be that way than any other way at this point in my life.
Aw, I do agree that you have a big heart. Just one thing that makes you special!
You as well, my friend. You have one of the biggest hearts I know !
God’s love definitely shines through you but I know what you mean how it affects you when you love so deeply. It opens you up to experiencing more hurt and sadness. My “special gift” is organization.
Oh your gift of organization is awesome! Love it and it is so needed! Can definitely understand that one and how useful it is!
A big heart is what drew me to your bog. You put such love, passion, and kindness in each one. With humor and love. I can relate to having a big heart. I too have been accused of that. I love how your friend, Karen. put it “God”s love definitely shines through you”. That is a prayer I pray for myself. The way I want to live the rest of my life hear on earth. So if it means a little more pain, tears, and sleepiness nights so be it if it is God’s will.
Having a big heart can be a double edge sword. In the end I think we all need to be true to ourselves and that can be difficult as we age. As I tell people who are aware of my wife’s extremely poor health ” if you need help with something just call”. I am sorry to hear about friend losing their spouse. It’s the nightmare I live with every second of every day. I can have all the plans I want but the truth is that with all of my planning when my wife takes her last breath I have no idea how I will react? We had a recent scare with her within the last few days. It is just part of our lives.
Duke, thanks for sharing. You are so correct that we just need to be true to ourselves. I am so sorry to hear about your wife’s poor health –I am sure you are such a comfort and source of support for her. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today.
As she says it’s about the miracle because by all medical reasoning she should have been gone a long time ago.
You definitely have a big a heart and spread love whatever you do! Whenever I think of you, I smile and feel happy!
Awww…that makes me so happy! You definitely have a big heart as well. I am so happy for you and your trip! Hope all is going really well!