I saw a boy come into our store the other day. He appeared unburdened and playful.
He went straight for a puppy and enthusiastically got on his knees to play. He asked questions, laughed and for a few moments my life was a little brighter because of him.
We all change as we grow up, though what saddens me and I feel needs to be discussed is the vital difference I see between that young boy and the men I continue to encounter as a single woman. It seems that for the most part they have lost their inner light. People are often burdened by prior hurts and wear them most ardently almost like a badge of honor – a metal received for courage from a previous war.
These old hurts combined with everyday responsibilities have formed a nonpermeable shell over their most vital organ, their hearts. What they don’t seem to realize is that they are robbing themselves of one of the greatest gifts God ever gave any of us – the ability to give and receive love. When you continue to push love away because of fear, you condemn yourself to a lifetime of prison; locked away by the chains you put in place to protect yourself.
Yes, you’ve been hurt, perhaps devastated by prior loss, but for the most part, we all have – so what? The rewards will always out-weigh the risks when it comes to the beauty experienced by real love.
So guys and girls, lighten up. Let down your shields, break free from the prison of old wounds and look up to the one who can heal you. You just might find the freedom and the love you’ve longed for all along.
And what of the boy from the pet shop? One day he will be a man like you. What would you tell him if you could? What do you want for his future? Sure he’ll get hurt someday, that’s life. If it were me I’d tell him this; remember to be brave, oh mighty warrior, let down your shield, and run free. For one day, if your heart though bruised stays open, real love, is sure to find you.
