The War - Heart vs Mind

She still had the heart of a young person.  We are not talking the physical beating heart that pumps blood through our veins.  We are talking the spiritual ‘Heart’ that experiences joy, happiness, and love; and also the one that can be broken.

Her Heart still felt as it did in her early 20's. Just as when she was young she could feel the pitter-patter of excitement.  Her Heart fluttered to think of a phone call or romantic card in the mail.  Butterflies still erupted when she anticipated the first sight of him after being apart.  The Heart felt hope – it wanted to trust, love and be happy.

But after years of life experiences including deaths of loved ones, suffering, lies, and hurt . . . the Mind deceived her.  It seemed to lock in these experiences.  It felt deception, hurt and had a hard time trusting again. It was suspicious.  The Mind would say to the Heart, “Go ahead and do it. Throw the Heart out there and watch it be hurt or broken. . . again.”

And so the Heart and Mind are at War. 

The Heart is light, it forgives, it needs nurturing ~~ it wants to trust, feel joy, experience love again.  The Heart NEEDS to love again.

But the Mind can be heavy, unforgiving, and screams “Beware.  Look out.  Danger.”   After much hurt the Mind used its Past in choosing how to react. It was if it was tarnished permanently. The Mind cannot forget.

The answer to the War of the Heart and Mind is FORGIVENESS.  Yes, she knew her Mind and Heart must FORGIVE.

She turned her Heart to God and asked for Healing.  She asked him to help her see Good again, distinguish Bad, make wiser decisions, forgive, and she prayed for "His Will to be done" in her life. 

YOU can ask Him to heal your Mind from its hurts, anger, and suspicions.  Ask Him to help You forgive, and trust again, just as she did.

Psalm 51:17
God never rejects a weak and weary heart that seeks Him. No matter how broken-down and overwhelmed we are, God welcomes us and is willing and able to help us.

A Great Way to start the Year. . .

“Real satisfaction is found not in money, but in loving relationships with God, our spouse, children, and friends. Loving relationships are our greatest assets. Most of us could live with less money, and may of necessity have to do so. But, if that helps us focus on relationships, then we still come out winners. Let me remind you of the words of Jesus: "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." If you understand that truth it will change your life forever.”  

This was excerpted from an article by Gary Chapman, author of the Five Love Languages, and really touched me.  I’ve had times in my life when material possessions played too much a part of what I ‘thought’ would make me happy instead of the family and friendships I should have treasured . . .along with a deeper relationship with God.  But I now realize WHAT is truly important and what really makes me happy.  I’d like to share a recent experience with you that is related to the above discussion. 

  This was one of the BEST New Year’s I’ve ever had in my life and was spent with some great new friends in West Virginia on a snow ski trip.  

We had 25 people in a 4-story cabin/condo and while it may sound crowded, it was a blast.  We cooked hot chili’s and soups to warm us from the cold, took lots of great photos, played hilarious games til midnight or after, played in the snow and had snowball fights, and laughed until my sides hurt.  

“Apples to Apples” and “Catch Phrase” are my two favorite new games.  I will forever hear names crackling over the 2-way radios such as “Moon-doggie” “Helen Keller” “Green Hornet” “Bodacious Betty” “Foxy Roxy” and of course “Tiny Dancer”. 

Most of this group became friends over 30 years ago through water skiing and/or Callaway Gardens and have remained friends through the years enjoying annual beach/Lake weekends, and snow ski adventures. During all of this ‘fun’ it’s always apparent how this group cares for each other despite their ribbing and teasing each other. 

In fact we had a devotional that Sunday night and Dave spoke about the comaraderie and encouragement this group has for each other.

As I lay flat in the snow  from a fall or as I crept down the mountain in my prevalent “pizza slice” stance I received only encouragement (with a few friendly giggles). 

 

As I said, it was one of the best times I’ve ever had, and an adventure I’ll always remember.  "Thanks” Don for inviting me, and a big thanks to all of them for making me feel welcomed on this particular adventure at Snowshoe.