The Canyon of the Heart

Just something that I'm starting to process a little more. One of the lies of satan that I struggle with the most is whether anyone really cares about me, and I'm starting to also question how much I really care about other people. I see this in my relationships with other people and it's becoming more clear how it's also in my relationship with God. I know that I care, but I also know that I'm being very guarded in how I care for others and how I let others care for me. I know that's a big place where God is challenging me right now and the dryness and hardness of my heart is becoming more and more clear to me. I've seen little ways that God has been softening me.

This week as we walked down the canyon maybe there is something of an analogy of my heart. As we began the canyon was small, narrow, and there was very little in the way of life. Occasionally there was a plant or a tree, but it was pretty dead. As the river continued to flow downstream the canyon began to widen and deepen, and more life was present. The farther we went, the more the canyon became full of life and was a wide, open place surrounded by towering mountains. Eventually the canyon dumped into the Colorado and the Grand Canyon began, continuing to grow in width and depth and life.

I see myself starting down that canyon of my heart. I think God is leading me slowly on this journey. I also see Him bringing people into my life to walk with me on that journey. I don't know how long this journey is going to take and how long those people will journey with me. But I do see the slow progression. I pray for strength and courage and persistence and that God would continue to provide water and rest when I become weary.

I'm excited to see where God leads me on this journey. I know that the biggest blessing that God has given me is incredible people in my life. I have such a wonderful bunch of people who bring different parts of life to me, whether it's adventure, good conversation, laughter, encouragement, counsel, and genuine hearts, I treasure each one. I'm excited to see God heal my heart so that I can experience the fullness of what each friendship has to offer. I know that the greatest thing about Ben Swain is the wonderful people who surround him.