it's Nita.

I received this email several weeks ago and it inspired to write this post.

"I’ve observed that if you'll focus most on letting others know you, they’ll often respond by sharing with you about themselves. Share stories about your childhood, about your heartaches, and about the things you've celebrated in your life. Tell them about the challenges that have made you who you are today. Share your struggles and the things you tend to worry about. Ask them to pray for you. And what you'll find is that they'll see you as a safe place because they’ll see that you have some of the same feelings and issues that they face. Over time, because you've trusted them with who you really are, they may share more deeply with you.”  
Linda Roeder; Restoring the Foundations (RTF) Board of Directors

As I pondered this excerpt I thanked God for my growth as a person and for the areas I still had to grow. As much as I would like certain relationships in my life to be instantly wonderful, there is no guarantee that people will fully open up to me in relationships. In reality, it is not my job to try and pry them open. All I can do is put myself in the position to be vulnerable, humble, and mindful of the people God brings into my life.

Growing to have the relationships I desire is sometimes inch work. Little by little I make progress and see hope in areas where there was no life. I choose to operate out of love and not fear. I look forward with expectation and I trust God to give my wisdom, strength, and patience to endure the process.

I ask the Lord this question (What does it mean to love and be loved) and He gave me these words. I certainly do not operate in perfection with carrying these out but I am grateful for grace in learn to love myself and others well.

Love always,

it’s Nita.