Galatians 6:2

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

I woke up this morning and prayed about how loved I am and asking myself, "In what ways in my life am I showing love to others?" It came on as simple as my kittens purring in my ear, snuggling (mainly waiting for food, but I'll take what I can get). Then I reflected on how someone I care for has never given up on showing up for me, even when I had always kept them at arms length. That's a question that's been pondering in my mind of, "Why do I only let those I've had feelings for get close enough to see me, but only close enough so it doesn't seem to come at a cost?"

The reality of it is, there's a sense of fear. I'm sure the majority of you have felt this in your life. You're scared of the rejection, the sting of something not being reciprocated, that you might be too hard to love, you bring too much baggage, etc. whatever that looks or has looked like for you in your life. It says in Proverbs 4 to guard our hearts as everything we do flows from it. But have I taken that and used it in a way that it's cost someone else's heart to be hurt by pushing them away when I feel they're starting to see the real me? Have you?

Then I thought about Galatians, as it's one of my favorite books in the Bible, and looked at this verse. I have been so willing and out of love to carry, help, and walk alongside another through their burdens, trials, trenches and valleys. They've allowed me to see the messiness, the late night cries, the physical hurt, loud and quiet prayers.

A verse so simple, yet in the past have had such a hard time letting someone else come alongside me, as a partner, to do so. Be vulnerable with each other. Obviously be wise in who it is you're vulnerable with, but it's okay to show the insecurities you carry with those who love you. They have your best interest at heart. Carry each other's burdens. Allow all love in your life, don't limit the amount because of the story you've written in your mind. Sure, it may not end the way you envision, BUT God. We should know this. But God, is always with us and that's only a part of the sweetness of His love.