The Heart

The heart that lives inside of me has always known love.
It has been sheltered from the world at times, yet it has known pain and hardship.
It has tasted bitterness and allowed criticism and judgement to creep in.
The heart that lives inside of me has known sadness and failure.
It has longed for love and acceptance.
Regret has seeped in as well.
The heart that lives inside of me has felt so alone, and fearful.
It has known peace and solitude.
It has felt complete and whole even after I thought it never would again.
The heart that lives inside of me finally understands grace, because I have felt it.
This heart is hopeful for all that lies ahead.
It is thankful for what is has felt, good and bad, in the past.
This heart is bigger, deeper and stronger.