The other night was a women’s ministry event complete with good food, laughter, and creativity. The speaker’s bread and butter was the ministry of relationships.

Her recent book is all about listening well, loving those in front of you, and relationships. She told of her new favorite practice, listening for heart drops.

The definition of a heart drop is (in Karen’s words): When a person, either directly or in a subtle way, gives you a peek into their heart. It may be through actual words, or you may pick up on a feeling, perhaps sadness or loneliness. It could even be a simple preference or “like” of theirs, such as their most-loved high-maintenance coffee drink or a favorite sports team.

I sat next to a only-known-for-a-year-but-love-dearly friend and told her in between dinner courses how overwhelmed I have been feeling lately.

A few days later, I opened up to the girls in my small group, friends (and they families) I have come to admire, trust, and love. I was honest about where I’m struggling and my raw emotions about my current situation.

They pointed me to Jesus and Scripture, but also were bummed with me.

They reminded me that they love me, and committed to pray for me.

Then, the one who I sat next to at the women’s ministry dinner? The kind heart who I admitted my weakness too? She and her adorable twin 2-year-olds stopped by the church and dropped off flowers, a book, a magazine I had mentioned wanting to pick up, a note, and much-needed HUGS.

Real ministry is people. Beautiful and wild, steadfast yet unpredictable.

They left and I cried. Happy, grateful, amazed tears. For God’s provision in the form of a handful of God-loving women who I see every single week. For His prompting to trust these friends with my honest feelings. For His grace that provided me with hope, and a much-needed bright spot in my day.

On another, but similar note, Sara Hagerty’s book Unseen releases today, and the theme of God seeing me when no one else does has been transforming my thoughts.

Holy Spirit encourages me to fix my eyes and heart on God — overwhelm yourself with Me, and watch your weaknesses and problems be put in perspective.

Our good Father always sees us completely, and His eyes are kind and full of love. God is present, to fill us and meet our every need.

God never stops looking at and into us. There is never a time when we are unseen by Him. Sara Hagerty

I reflect on Psalm 91 – Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty… If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home… The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

Choose Him as your shelter. Like a baby bird doesn’t know all that happens outside when he’s being shielded by mother’s wings, we can walk in peace, trust, and strength, hidden in the shadow of God’s wings.

He will protect us. He will answer us. He will be with us in troubling situations. He will rescue and honor us in His family.

Abiding, not striving nor struggling; looking off into Him; trusting Him for present power; trusting Him to subdue all inward corruption; resting in the love of an Almighty Savior. John McCarthy

Hidden in the shadow of His wings, but seen and loved dearly by Father God, is the best possible place to remain.