Having a Wholesome Heart

I was talking recently with a young man that is a participant in the center where I work. He is a beautiful young man with Asperger’s. Those who have Asperger’s don’t usually understand the nuances of when someone uses “catch” phrases to explain things. So, in this case, I was talking to him about another beautiful person that I speak with frequently named Ms. Eva. I was telling him that she was a very kind-hearted person.

Now, for those with Asperger’s, they think in very literal terms, as in this case, he was thinking of the heart that beats in your chest. So I explained to him that this phrase of being kind-hearted means that she is a person who is genuine and kind. She always has an encouraging word to say to others. In other words, she is the embodiment of what I would call a person who has a wholesome heart. She lives and breathes the gospel and she is certainly a testament to those who get to know her!

In doing what I do and getting to know the parents and caregivers of those with disabilities, has truly helped me to understand and believe in what it means to have a wholesome heart. Also, you don’t have to work only with those who have a disability, I think, more, that it is in how you treat others that you encounter all through your life’s journey.

Just think about the many, many people that you meet every day. It may just be that you share a kind gesture, give a simple compliment, or a smile that helps lighten their day, but it may give you dividends in return. Maybe you see a young mother shopping at the store while trying to soothe a fretful young child that you can help in some way. Maybe it’s in giving of a large tip for a struggling waiter or waitress that’s just trying to get through the day and get home. Maybe it’s just a kind comment about how an older lady looks while you are in church. There are so many more examples and ample opportunities available if we only look around ourselves to see.

My point about this is, try to find something that you can do that spreads some love, care, and concern to others. You might not even know that you made an impact, but that person knows it and that’s what counts in the end! (Related post: The Benefits of Kindness)

What did I learn from this? I’m better when I share that part of me that likes to help and give. It’s so hard, though, when there are those who abuse it or take advantage of it, but I have found that I am resilient because that is how I am made. I have also found that my mission is the gift of joy that God gave me so that I may pass it on to others. What a wonderful God is He!!

What can you gain from this? When we struggle in a world that doesn’t look very redeeming, then that is when we need to pull together all of our inner strength and say, “I will choose to have a wholesome heart today.” And when you wake up tomorrow and the next day and the day after that until your time on earth is done, repeat that phrase over and over again, like a mantra. If you believe it then you will live it. When you live it then you become it. Then you, too, will have a wholesome heart.