The Worth Of Knowing

I've wondered:
What will keep my heart soft?
What will keep it hopeful and curious?
I've seen the way growth and change
are trampled down by forces
beyond my reach. 
I've experienced how 
standing against them
results in a trampled heart. 
I've felt how 
anger
bitterness
impatience
rise up to shield 
my soft heart. 
I hate this. 
It means the forces have all but won.
They've taken my most powerful tool.

So I've wondered:
What will keep my heart soft?
I see a place not far off
Where growth happens in rest. 
Where change happens in acceptance.
Where my defenses can fall. 
Wrapped in my Father's arms
softness is not just safe
softness is soil for growth.
I rest my head on
his strong shoulder. 
His love is perfect and complete. 
His arms surround me. 
He is not 
rushed
worried
impatient
or uncomfortable with
my unfinished-ness. 
He has eternity at his disposal.
I have time
to lean into his arms. 
to accept his love.  
to practice being soft.