Touching My Heart

In church on Sunday we sung: ‘No one else can touch my heart like you do’…

We came home and had dinner together as a family – nine of us. There were silly conversations, serious conversations, laughter, concern…

After everyone went Rachel and I sat down and reflected. We’re so grateful for our family. We appreciate that not everyone is so blessed. It touched my heart.

Yesterday on Facebook I saw this lovely picture. We’ve known Josh since he was a baby, Becca since she was a young teenager. We’ve seen them grow up, followed their careers, went to their wedding, followed Becca’s pregnancy…

Now to see them as a happy young family it touched my heart.

When I worked in school I cared about the children and families, but sometimes I had to detach myself. To make the right decision I couldn’t get emotionally involved. I could view life – and faith – objectively. I appreciated the old Paul Simon lyric: ‘I am a rock, I am an island. And a rock feels no pain, And an island never cries.’

I realise that I’ve changed.

I reflected on recent conversations…

…The dad whose son has had problems with drugs and mental health issues. Dad’s been really anxious – he hadn’t seen son for years. They met up last week and it went really well…

…The wife who’s anxious about her husband’s physical and mental health. Work and home are busy and complicated. She loves her husband dearly, but doesn’t always know how best to support him…

…The older couple who, after long marriages, lost their respective partners. Finding each other, they’ve now been married for three years, providing each other with love and support…

Each situation has, in its way, touched my heart.

Singing ‘No one else can touch my heart like you do,’  on Sunday challenged me. I believe the theory of the song; a God who touches my heart more than family or friends. I ask myself whether it’s reality.