How To Hear A Heart-drop

Karen

The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord.

—Lamentations 2:18

It wasn’t much to look at. It was a chunky hardcover children’s book, its pages faded and well-worn. It had been gradually gathering dust and fingerprint smudges for nearly seventy-five years. Yet I was brimming with eagerness as I delicately wrapped my friend Trisha’s present in pale aqua tissue paper.

Why was I so thrilled to give a used book to a friend? This gift was the response to a heart-drop. Let me explain.

Trisha and I were born the same year, so we had many common memories of being kids in the 1980s. Once while discussing our school days, Trisha mentioned how she’d seriously struggled with reading, but her face brightened as she recalled a small victory: “There was one book I actually could read cover to cover. It was called Mary Lee and the Mystery of the Indian Beads. I’d curl up on the sofa and read the whole thing. Oh, how I loved the feeling I got from reading that book!”

That story was more than just a window into Tricia’s past. It was what I call a “heart-drop.” A heart-drop is when a person, either directly or in a cryptic way, gives you a peek into his or her heart. It may be through actual words, or you might pick up on a feeling.

Trisha’s heart surfaced that day as I recognized her longing for someone to say, “I’m listening. I hear you.” I left our conversation determined to find a copy of that book. Thanks to an online site, I victoriously scored one.

When Trisha opened her gift that night in her living room, she looked up at me with such excitement. “How did you know?” she exclaimed. I reminded her of our conversation from months earlier, which she’d totally forgotten about.

Lamentations 2:18 was written during the time the ancient Israelites were held in captivity. The first part of the verse announced that God hears our heart cries: “The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord.”

God knows what pains us and what brings us pleasure, but often He uses people to respond to the cries of others.

May we become skilled at tuning our ears to the heart-drops of those around us and then responding with a thoughtful gesture. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate gift. It can be a kindly spoken word. A handwritten note. A loving text or an encouraging comment left on social media. A shared conversation over a cup of coffee. A brief moment when we put ourselves to the side for a moment to notice. To respond. To echo God’s heart toward another.

Hearing a heart-drop is an art we must lovingly cultivate. It can lead to the most wonderful times of encouragement as we make it our habit to listen and to love.

Dear Father, may I learn to lean in and listen, hearing the heart cries of others and then reaching out in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Can you recall anyone who recently gave you a glimpse of her heart while talking? Is there any way you can respond to this invitation?