Feeling our Hearts

Last week I went out somewhere for awhile. When I came back, Ryanna was really excited to show me the note she had made. She is very into the idea of writing notes to people and is constantly coloring pictures or writing little notes to send to people. I have never actually mailed any of her stuff unless it was going to be part of a card or letter I was planning on sending anyway. I figured she'd whip out a picture she had colored while I was gone or show me a page with a bunch of random words she had written.
Well, I was partly right. The page she showed me did have some nonsense words on it, but what she said really touched me. She said, "Look mom. I made this because I wanted you to feel my heart."
I remember doing a similar thing when I was young. I used to write little notes to my grandparents and leave them on their pillows. I thought that they would really appreciate knowing that I loved them. They never did say anything about them, I hope they actually found them.
Nowadays, it seems that people in general, spend more time hiding or guarding their hearts instead of wanting others to "feel their hearts." It's a bit sad that as we grow up, we learn that people aren't always going to respect or love us and so we have to protect ourselves from pain. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could each love one another enough to allow us all to "show our hearts" to everyone without worry? Ryanna had no fear that I would unconditionally love her writing and her artistic efforts. She knows that I think she's fabulous. She knows I'm incredibly proud of who she is.
What a blessing it is to have a husband and children that let me "show them my heart." I never worry about anything I say or do around them. Do I say or do things I regret to them? All the time, but I know that they will always forgive me and our relationship will continue without blemish. What a wonderful idea it is that we can have a family that allows us to be completely open with each of our hearts.