Beating Hearts

Awesome time at Pump it up for a precious little girls 10th birthday party.

Precious Hearts unfold like flowers

before thee opening to the

sun above

A few days before they left I was debating with myself, wondering what they had gained by being in our home. Were we too harsh or were we not intentional enough? Did we miss the golden opportunity to share Christ's love with them, will what we shared be enough? I was mauling it over in my head and couldn't help but get all blubbery with emotion wondering if they even liked us or wanted to re-visit. Were we to negative? Positive reinforcement is the best policy.

We were on our way to return a beating heart "taken" from Build-A-Bear. I thought about what was taken and the comfort that comes from the soft, steady, consistent beat of someones heart. I glanced in the rear-view mirror at the four children in the back of the van. Dawson being one of them, loves to lay on a comfy chest to hear the sound of life. I contemplated if what I was doing was right. Should I have ignored what was stolen? "No" I told myself as I pulled off the freeway, "don't get sentimental, what was done was wrong, he needs to fix it". With the heart tucked away in my pocket, I was cautious not to bring it up until after his belly was full of lunch. He knew what our mission was and was ready to do the right thing, and I in no way wanted to jeopardize it. We had lunch, shopped for special people in their lives and made our way to the other end of the mall. Once outside the store I leaned in and asked him if he was ready and with a sheepish grin he nodded yes. We entered the store and he put it back in the bin. I picked it up and attempted to hand it back and somehow communicated with him that how to fix it, was to hand it to the cashier and apologize. Having already discussed our plan of action before leaving home, he knew what I meant. With his eyes WIDE and body STIFF he said, no. At that time the cashier came up to us and asked if we needed anything. I simply said, "well we're here to return something that was taken." I opened up my palm and there lay the heart; it looked so pathetic there in my hand. Three feet on either side was the boy and the cashier. I said, " he has something to say", with embarrassment written all over his face he muttered, "sorry" in English and the cashier said "awesome, thanks" and high fived him. I praised his confidence to do what was right and encouraged him to always be honest. Honesty heals our hearts and minds when we do things that are wrong. We left and returned to the car. Although he was a little grouchy at this point, I knew what was done was worth it. Driving once again, filled with satisfaction and a peace that God was working in these little hearts and mine. I reevaluated what I had thought earlier. With determination in my thoughts I told myself, "no, don't discount what God has done over the last few weeks".

God has shown them anger, but with anger came repentance and forgiveness within a family setting. With pride came humility. From stealing came returning. Something broken was made new. Tears turned into smiles. Unfamiliar changed to familiar. Consistent hugs, kisses, and prayers. Disobedience was reprimanded, forgiven and forgotten. Apologies spoken and accepted. Shame turned into pride for what was done right. What was unknown is now revealed. Perspectives transformed. These last few weeks, have been unbelievable, filled with all kinds of short stories, just waiting to be retold.

Pressing my hand into my upper chest, I can feel that soft thud. That same thud they felt when I hugged them with a mama's love. My eyes are full, my heart heavy...I'll be sure to send them a beating heart, wishing it was mine they had. Make sure to hug tonight and every night what's dear to you.