My heart was guarded for years. The years of infertility, the hurt and sadness, the reality caused me to guard my heart. For years, I dreaded Mother's Day. But over the years, God has healed my hurting heart. And He has given me a gift of love for children.
My heart is wide open now. I didn't know I could have this much love to go around. But each day as I enter our Pre-K 3 classroom, I can't help but smile as I'm greeted by the little children.
"Oh look, Miss Debbie is here."
They gather around me for hugs. They call my name and want to share a story with me. They want my attention as I'm trying to put away my purse and other belongings in my desk. But I can't help but stop and ...listen.
I silently thank God for giving me this gift. For opening my heart to this kind of love I never knew was inside of me. And I give Him thanks for not forgetting my desire for kids.
Yes, He answered my prayer but in a way I didn't expect. He opened my heart WIDE to love many children.
STOP
Blessings and love,
This is just sooooooooooo beautiful to me...I keep hearing He gives beauty for ashes, strength for pain...thanks for sharing, as it gives us all hope
ReplyDeleteYou are such a blessing, my friend! Thank you for embracing His will with such grace.
ReplyDeleteThis is so very touching! He does bless us in unexpected ways. We must be open. Happy I clicked over from Gypsy Mom this morning!
ReplyDeleteGina
So sweet! What a perspective change and what a blessing you must be to so many children and families. Thanks for sharing your live for five minutes of a Friday. It blessed me.
ReplyDeleteI so love how God has brought children into your life. Your impact on them is foundational. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching post my friend.
ReplyDeleteHe has really given one of his treasured gifts to your heart Debbie. I see your love for children and I am so thankful for you... I wish my grandkids could have Miss Debbie for their teacher. They would love you just like 'your kids' do. How long has it been since I told you that you bless my heart??!!
ReplyDeletexo
You are a blessing to many as well!
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteGod's ways are higher and different from our ways. I''m so happy about your wide open heart. I think about the children growing up today, with parents having almost no spare time for their offspring. How lucky they must be meeting you every morning with a wide open heart.
You are reaching many and blessing them with love and much needed attention.
If I'm not wrong they are in your prayers too.
Imagine how much they need that.
So your misfortune has become a blessing to so many. I think this must be your third year with the Pre K 3 class. What happiness to be where God needed your many special skills. Have a nice week end.
From felisol
Oh I love this Debbie. A narrow view stretched wide by God's never-ending love for us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings my friend,
Felecia
I used to dread Mother's Day, too, so I can certainly relate. I'm so glad He worked it out so that you can open your heart WIDE to many kids.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
I am thinking about just how blessed all those little sweet 3 year olds are to have Miss Debbie! Love that picture of you with them. God is good ALL the time huh? Enjoy your week-end! HUGS
ReplyDeleteAnd, as others have said, how blessed they are to have you. I think it's a "win win" for both parties! Blessings for a beautiful Fall!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful testament to God's faithfulness, Debbie!
ReplyDeletelovely post. God's love through you. Have a nice week end!
ReplyDeleteMust admit, my first thought when I saw "WIDE," was my hips. I'm just so shallow. But your post got me thinking, Where do I need to be more wide in my thinking, in my acceptance, in my loving? Thanks for the post. Love you WIDE!
ReplyDeleteYou bless me so through the vulnerability and transparency of your prose. How lovely to be bathed in the love you experience because your heart is opened wide. Be blessed friend, Maria
ReplyDelete