Why is it so difficult to allow people to come in close?

I enjoy having friends, of course, but I still want to keep everyone at just a bit of distance.

Even my husband and my children. I will let them in closer than any others, but there is still a part of myself that I hold in reserve.

You too?

Why do we do this? Why is it so hard to be completely vulnerable with anyone?

Fear, I think, is the most simple answer.

We know how ugly our hearts can be. For myself, I know the arrogance and rage that can live inside and I want people to still like me.

We want everyone else to think well of us, so we let them in enough to show that we are human, but not far enough in to let them see how very human we really are.

We don’t want to see the shock and revulsion on their faces were they to hear the thoughts that go through our minds. We want others to like us.

It is often even hard to let God in.

Logically, I know that He already sees the deepest, most ugly bits of me, but I still have the desire to make everything look pretty before I show it to Him. You see, I want God to like me too.

Not just love me. Like me.

Love seems to be a choice, a way of treating someone. Liking, though, seems more enjoyable.

Love is what I do even when it is hard. Liking is what comes naturally when I enjoy spending time with someone.

Yet God went to extraordinary lengths to be with us. He tells us that He wants to sit with us over meals, that He sings over us and He wants to wipe away our tears. He calls us friends.

Such amazing grace this is.

If only I could believe it completely, I would have no trouble at all in letting others in.

God, help my unbelief.

Art credit: Three Crosses sketch by Rembrandt