What’s In My Heart.

Hubby and I have a fun tradition where we only buy “stocking” gifts for each other for Christmas.  What makes it so fun is finding creative gifts that will fit in a sock, but still have the big surprise value.  There are exceptions to the rule… this year, I had to cheat just a little and hide his 20 pound kettle ball behind the sock.  I would have ripped it stuffing that crazy thing inside.  My favorite gift this year was stuffed at the very bottom, inside the toe.  My family went shopping together to pick this one out.  I was VERY surprised!  I unwrapped a beautiful heart locket with the words “What’s in My Heart” engraved on the outside.  Inside the heart, tiny charms that symbolize what’s in my heart.  They knew exactly what to put inside: R- for my hunky hubby, 4 birthstones for each of my children (we have a precious son in heaven) and a cross.  What’s really special, they can add charms inside my heart anytime they want.

Yep, I cried.  It’s so meaningful to a mommy when her family takes the time to choose the perfect gift.  It made me think hard about all the things deep in my heart.  My faith in God is the ultimate treasure that I couldn’t live without.  He has made my life complete and utterly miraculous with blessings indeed.  I thank God daily for the precious treasures that He has entrusted me with.  I do not take them for granted.  I thank Him for the pain in my life.  It’s my core belief that He turns all pain to treasures.  It’s a promise I believe with all my heart.  I have experienced pain at all levels- physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Holding my son before he died was the single most painful moment of my life.  It made me the person I am today.  God wrecked my life.  He has stripped me and disciplined and pruned me the past 42 years to continue to grow as a wife, mom, daughter, and friend.  I’m a work in progress.  I challenge myself constantly to seek my purpose in life.  I love asking Him- why did you create me?

What I love most about my necklace- I’m in control of what I want to put in my heart.  The things in my heart can change constantly or remain the same.  The really important things that once were in my heart, that are not so important anymore, I have taken those “charms” out, they are gone now.  I don’t miss them at all.  I have replaced them with new charms that make me feel passionate, adventurous, radical and a little crazy.

I hope I have encouraged you to look inside and ask- what’s in your heart?  I really want to hear what your treasures are in your heart- please share.  Let’s encourage each other to add new “charms” in our hearts this year!