Matters of the Heart

“Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

One of the important lessons that I am learning as I continue my post-op breast cancer treatment is how many things are really out of my control. That is a very hard lesson for I am a control freak. I probably should have learned it 39 years ago when James Bruce was born and I became a special-needs Mom. That truth also should have been reinforced last year with James Bruce’s sudden death. But somehow, I keep forgetting that I am ultimately not in control of my world and everything in it. That includes my schedule in this season of life.

I wasn’t supposed to begin my daily radiation treatments until this week, but last Wednesday my schedule changed. I had two radiation treatments before leaving town to speak at a weekend women’s retreat. Truthfully, sometimes God gives me an opportunity to practice a lesson before I go and try to teach one. It turns out that “control” is one of my biggest heart issues. Author Henry Brandt was right when he wrote, “The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.”

I was privileged to be a small part of the Big Oak Ranch (BOR) House Moms’ Retreat held on the scenic WorldSong campus in Cook Springs, Alabama. Our Matters of the Heart retreat was hosted by 51 members of the Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary (BORA). Seventeen of the twenty-two BOR House Moms were able to participate in the three-day event.

1 Samuel was our retreat text for the weekend and today’s Bible Bits verse was our theme. In our first teaching session we looked at Hannah’s infertility and the resulting grief that led her heart to be:

  • Desperate for God

  • Dependent on God

  • Delivered by God and

  • Delighted in God

During the weekend we studied five other characters found in 1 Samuel and asked some important diagnostic heart questions:

  • What causes you to “churn and burn?”

  • Why is it important to “guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23) and how can you do it?

  • How has God used a seemingly impossible situation to drive you to Himself?

  • When God looks at your heart what does He see?

  • In what ways does belonging to God make a difference in your life?

Whenever I speak, write, or teach, my goal is to encourage or equip women to develop or strengthen their relationships with God and others. This weekend I was the one who was most encouraged and equipped as I witnessed many servant hearts on display. There were lots of laughter and tears as the BOR moms shared stories of both wins and losses with their children.  Only God can change a heart, but these Mamas are doing everything they can to change lives that have been previously impacted by parental neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

I also witnessed generous hearts who cared enough to give their very best as Auxiliary members shared their time, talent, and treasures. One talented volunteer purchased and arranged all the beautiful fresh flowers that graced our dining tables and nightstands. Others provided delicious meals, fabulous desserts, and beautifully decorated tables. Some artistic volunteers created monogrammed organizers or hand painted angels as gifts for the BOR moms. All of it was possible because people gave generously.

Our optional group activities included a yoga session; a challenging rope course; and a mountain hike. Some of the moms chose all three activities, while others opted for naps and reading. Biblical hospitality occurs when we make others feel welcomed, wanted, and worth the trouble. The Ranch Moms and I were truly blessed this weekend with biblical hospitality.

One of my weekend highlights occurred after dinner Saturday night as a group of us sat around the table. I asked one young mom, “What brought you to Big Oak Ranch?” I was surprised when she answered, “I’m a former Big Oak resident. My aunt brought my sister and me here when I was 13 years old. Big Oak didn’t just give me a chance; they gave me a family and a future.  I wanted to give that to someone else.”

Melissa’s story and the Big Oak Ranch are stories of hope. Biblical hope is a faith that looks and leans forward. Sacrifice, service, stewardship, generosity, compassion, and giving up control are all matters of the heart.
What does God see when he looks at your heart?