This Swelling Heart

A few things have happened this past week that has made my heart swell. You know, that feeling you get when happy, overwhelming emotion seems to sit right on your heart weighing so heavily you think it might burst, but in a good way? A swelling heart. I've had those symptoms a few times these past few weeks.

I first recognized the symptoms when I read this article. It's long and most of you won't read it, but it's about my alma mater, Liberty University, and when I read it I felt so much pride I thought I would burst. I cried instead. It's about a homosexual man who attended Liberty, the largest Christian university in the world, and his experience there. His experience with those very professors who instructed me. His experience of finding love and yes, even acceptance, in a place where our culture would believe to be the most unlikely. I am proud of my alma mater and those professors who loved him the way Jesus would...how everyone of us, no matter our beliefs, should love another. 

The second time my heart swelled was when my husband sent me a link to this video. If you haven't seen it, it is about self image and how we all are our own worst critic. My heart didn't swell because of the message in the video (although it's a very good one), but instead because of who sent it to me. If my husband thinks I'm beautiful than why does anyone else's opinion matter? I'm a lucky lady.

And the third time I experienced these emotions was after taking that silly photo above. I feel so much love for my husband. So much gratitude for the home he has provided for me 3,000 miles away from the only home I'd ever known. He has done a great job loving me this past year and I feel very blessed. I love our silly pup who brings so much laughter and joy into our lives. I love the house that I share with the two of them and all the character and memories already within it that make it a home. 

I feel proud, loved, beautiful, and grateful. So much so that my swelling heart may burst.