The Ministry of Drawing out Hearts

Now that I've been in Btown for some time, I'm getting to the point where strangers have become acquaintances and some are moving into the realm of "friends".

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And I've noticed something about people. And in fact, something about myself.

We are incredibly guarded. We stick to those safe, but rather shallow conversations. We are private. Insecure. We build up walls.

I've met lots of people. But I don't actually know them -- where they came from, their struggles, their hopes, their dreams, their fears. These aren't conversations you have during lunch hour --- or are they?

By the grace of God, I pray that I would be able to draw out the hearts of these acquaintances. I want to learn the art of hospitality -- and I'm not just talking about my home.  I'm talking about making people feel "at home" in my presence.

I'm not very good at this. Sometimes I think that I scare people. Or at least make them feel uncomfortable.

I want to learn to be vulnerable myself. Not. Easy.

I want to exude grace and love. Not pride or arrogance.

I want to be confident; but not in myself. Confident in the Lord.

I want wisdom to ask the right questions. The discernment to see what is really important to people.

I want to serve others sacrificially in what ever way I can.


Right now,  this is my ministry. The ministry of drawing out hearts.