Broken Hearts

Not long ago, a comment was made to me about how I seemed to have it all together. It seemed that I was doing well. The comment took me by surprise and I found myself explaining the difference between what it looks like and what is really happening. It made me wonder if this misconception is one that others have of me as well. I find myself asking this question; do others think that at some point parents who lose their children eventually get back to living normal lives?

The answer is no. No we don't. We definitely grow and change and find purpose and joy. We live lives that have meaning and learn to carry our grief. But, back to normal? No. Please make no mistake, our hearts are permanently broken. A condition that cannot be repaired.

The acceptance of my permanently broken heart is what has allowed me to walk forward at all. I do not spend time trying to heal or fix it. I live with the understanding that this is the state of my heart until I am face to face with Jesus in eternity. And God can do amazing things with broken hearts!

In fact, I often think my heart is more useful to God's plans in its broken state that it would be if it was completely healed. What good would I be to others who are hurting if I approached them with a heart that had no damage? How could I have any empathy for their grief? So, I accept my shattered heart and trust God with its care.