Five Minute Friday~ Wide

She kept her arms firmly wrapped around her body.  This time she was not going to get hurt.  She would simply not let them in.

Then they couldn't hurt her.

But something started to happen to her heart.  She discovered that keeping others out was even more hurtful.   Her soul craved intimacy.  She needed it, but she still wasn't ready.

What if they did the same thing?  What if she poured all of herself into this and they rejected her?  Betrayed her?  Told lies about her?  Turned their backs?

She shed tears, but with each one that fell, her arms started to loosen.  Her Father was lovingly wiping the tears and gently pulling her arms away.

She started to open up.  Again.  And her heart started to heal.

Risking does not always end in rejection.  Friendship can be genuine and forgiving and accepting.

It wasn't long before her heart began to sing again.  She had found a safe place to land.

But it wasn't because her new friends were perfect.  Or because she knew that they would never fail her.

No, her eyes were wide open this time.  Hurt is inevitable.  But the JOY of opening herself to friendship?  Well, it far exceeds any of the hurt that she has experienced.

And so, once again, she had decided to live life with her arms wide open.  Welcoming.  Open to the possible hurts, but also open to the love that is waiting for her.

Wide open.

Linking with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday.  I encourage you to read the other 5 minute contributions- it is a sweet community!