Every hard effort generously faced, every sacrifice cheerfully submitted to, every word spoken under difficulties, raises those who speak or act or suffer to a higher level; endows them with a clearer sight of God; braces them with a will of more strength and freedom; warms them with a more generous and large, tender heart.

                                                                                                                            —Henry P. Liddon

One of the main prayers of my life is for a large, tender heart. Do you know what I suffer from? A shriveled heart. A disconnected heart. Yes, a hardened heart.

That dried-up heart of mine was exposed a few days ago. A few days ago, for crying out loud, should you expect that my troubles are few and far between!

I was engaged in a “hard conversation.” You know what I mean…feelings hurt, intentions misunderstood, words spoken that I wish I could take back. I definitely did not have a godly response. I pulled away emotionally, isolated my heart from engagement because blame-shifting held sway.

But the kindness of God led me to repentance as I asked the Lord to grow my withered heart and fill me with his Spirit. Confession and forgiveness were extended and received. Peace was restored. Hope reigned.

You know I love all the Psalms, but the 51^st may be in my top five. It’s unrefined. Honest. Gut-wrenching. No one can read this confession without relating at some level. We are awed by its candor and strangely soothed by its presence in the word of God. Why? It’s a psalm for every man, every woman.

As we face hard efforts, sacrifices, and difficulties this summer—wherever we may travel—let’s choose to allow God to grow our hearts to be tender, pliable, and humble. Certainly, we will arrive at our ministry assignments in the fall increasingly prepared to be Christ-like witnesses.