Speaking as someone who has dealt with their fair share of heartache through the years, I have to wonder, when does a heart become unbroken? There does come a time when wounds don’t sting as much, and the aching feeling only aches when you think about it, but when do we consider ourselves healed? Are we ever really “back to normal” after we experience a heartbreak?

Lately, I’ve had a lot of friends experiencing loss and heartbreak. I sympathize in a way I wish I couldn’t. It’s funny how someone else’s hurt can remind you so much of your own. It’s in those instances that I have to admit I’m still hurting too. Certainly, it’s not as bad as it was when it was fresh, but I have my moments where the pain is just as real as it was on the first day. And it’s those very instances that make me want to be a cushion or a band-aid for those who are just beginning to experience the pain. I know it doesn’t REALLY make anything feel better, but there is a comfort in knowing that other people understand or at least sypathize with what you’re going through. It also provides me comfort from my own hurt to know — although I wouldn’t wish these things on anyone — I’m not alone.

I know I feel like I say this in every blog, but God has a plan for you that is 100% unique. He promises that if we follow Him that we will be blessed. What He doesn’t say, however, is that we’ll never lose, hurt, break, fall, or fail. In fact, following His plan can sometimes mean even more of these things. It seems like when we are doing the right things and really reaching for Gods plan for our life, we are attacked. But I’m telling you it’s worth it. The blessings out weigh every bump, bruise, scar, and scab I have on this body or my heart. I’ve never felt more taken care of or loved than when my heart last broke. My family and friends were there to love on me, comfort me, and sympathize with me.  Why did I feel that way? Because THAT is what becomes of the brokenhearted…

When our hearts have been broken, in any sense of the word, they NEVER really heal. There is always a piece of them that remains open to whatever it was that caused them to break. From that point on, we are drawn like a moth to the flame tocare for and love on those around us who are experiencing something similar. We want, maybe even NEED to bless those people, because we ourselves feel their pain. I would like to say this pouring out of blessings and love is completely selfless, but the thruth is it’s not. When we take the time to bless others, we get to be a part of God’s work, and that itself is another blessing.

So this week, as you go about your “normal” routine, take time and listen to your heart and the people around you. People are hurting. They need people like us to be the blessing that helps them heal. Try to take the time to be a listening ear, a helping hand, a dry shoulder… whatever you can be for them. I don’t think they’ll be the only one that leaves feeling blessed.