Jesus in the middle

This morning I was contemplating building walls to hide behind.  I ended last week feeling like I was a pinata wearing a target.  I'm a relationship person in every part of my life, personally and professionally.  I strive to be real and I try not to hide behind facades and agendas.  There is no poker face on this girl.  I'm approachable and I'm a fixer so people tend to throw problems at me.  I tend to take things personally, and I over-react.  All of these qualities make me vulnerable to attack.

I'm learning to step back and remember that the things that are thrown at me aren't always about me.  As I considered building walls around my heart, God spoke to me.  He said, "Put Jesus in the middle of your relationships."  Jesus will protect me better than any wall I could ever build.  Jesus in the middle of my relationships allows me to be real and open and transparent.  Jesus in the middle of my relationships allows me to love deeply and give freely.  Jesus in the middle of my relationships allows me to be the real me.  With Jesus in the middle of my relationships, I need not fear being hurt or disappointed.  He will guard my heart and fill it with His love.