How Do We Open Our Hearts?

Spotted Towhee, Photo by ADJ82, Creative Commons

As I walked over to Main Street yesterday I pondered this question. 

I also wondered, "Is my heart open or closed?"  How about yours?

Suddenly, a stunning spotted towhee flew into the bush beside me and stopped me in my tracks. I began to hear beautiful birdsong that I had not heard up to that moment.  

Do you ever get lost in your head that way?  Or maybe you miss what is going on around you as you focus on your phone?

What a gift that bird was, a sudden gift from God that opened my eyes and my ears.  What love he must have for me, that he would give me these gifts!  

Now I’m wondering if maybe only God can open our eyes, ears, and hearts.  Maybe it isn’t something that we can do for ourselves.  I also wonder if loving other people requires the same kind of open-hearted presence that I needed yesterday to see and hear the birds.  

Open our eyes Lord

help us to see your face

Open our eyes Lord

help us to see

Open our ears Lord

help us to hear your voice

Open our ears Lord

help us to hear

Open our hearts Lord

help us to love like you

Open our hearts Lord

help us to love

                           -Jesse Manibusan

I hope to see you on Sunday when we will gather at the Lord's Table, reflect on love, and pray this song once again!

READING  From Colossians 3 NIVUK

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.     Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.