The risk

I've never been much of a risk taker.  I colour inside the lines.  Wear sensible shoes.  Venture carefully through green lights.  I'm wary of best before dates.  A rule keeper.

But when it comes to love, well, that's a completely different matter. 

This only occurred to me recently as I was driving away from a familiar place.  I was crying because my heart was broken. 

That's really what it came down to.  I took a risk. 

I opened my heart to Him and His people and they walked in and made themselves at home.  

Loving is so many things, both good and bad.  Hellos and good-byes, waiting and watching, stopping and starting, hurt and hope, pain and joy.  All mingled together in a messy jumble of tremendous emotions. 

But, do you know what really occurred to me? 

Thankfulness.  Thankful that I have the capacity to love so wonderfully that it's heart breaking to say good-bye. 

To love completely, regardless of the risk, is beautiful.