August 4
Being Fully Known and Fully Loved
Every human heart harbors the same longing, though we express it differently: to be truly known, and in being known, to be loved fully.
Children don't struggle with this. They naturally assume—they are known, seen, and loved. They wear no masks. They have no personas. They don’t curate their image. They don't hide their joy, tears, or needs.
But as we grow older, we learn to protect ourselves. We become experts at managing how others see us. We learn which parts of ourselves are “acceptable” and which should be hidden. We construct identities based on achievement, reputation, spirituality, usefulness, or strength.
And the tragedy is this: the more we hide, the less we feel loved because love cannot reach the parts of us we refuse to bring into the light.
One of the greatest fruits of a childlike heart is the freedom to be fully known—and fully loved—in the presence of the Father.
Becoming Childlike Again: Page 160
Every human heart harbors the same longing, though we express it differently: to be truly known, and in being known, to be loved fully.
Children don't struggle with this. They naturally assume—they are known, seen, and loved. They wear no masks. They have no personas. They don’t curate their image. They don't hide their joy, tears, or needs.
But as we grow older, we learn to protect ourselves. We become experts at managing how others see us. We learn which parts of ourselves are “acceptable” and which should be hidden. We construct identities based on achievement, reputation, spirituality, usefulness, or strength.
And the tragedy is this: the more we hide, the less we feel loved because love cannot reach the parts of us we refuse to bring into the light.
One of the greatest fruits of a childlike heart is the freedom to be fully known—and fully loved—in the presence of the Father.
Becoming Childlike Again: Page 160