Step 2. Fall in Love ~ Formation of the Heart

Part 2a. Is it possible to love God and a human partner at the same time?

photo (used with permission) courtesy of Raising Ecstasy

"...I meant that question for you."
Point blank ~ shot straight to the core ~ I was taken aback...
I have read books on this theme more than a thousand times and even wrote about my vocation but how come my friend insists on taking me deeper into my call?

~ from a spiritual companion~

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The last few days after a month break, my friend and I have resumed our reflections on the Purpose Driven Life. This time, we dwelt on Growth (Ch.23 and beyond) and I have discovered in which 'particular' area I remained a child. I need to grow!

I told him yes, it is possible to love both... we need not go further from eros and agape.

"Then, what 'blocks' you from truly loving God... and from engaging in another relationship?" my friend continued...
I was asked to reconcile my mind and my heart. It is a long journey ~ but am I also willing to start it?
It is not enough to say that I love. I could have an entire discourse on this and yet have no heart ~ Love is not explained, it is expressed.
Do it!

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock." ~ Rev. 3,20 NIV
For several days my friend and I worked on a list of roadblocks to loving. And in each item, he asked: ~ how can I do it? ~ how should I do it? ~ how will it make my life better if I do it?
He took me to the extreme coming up with the craziest ideas to counter the impediments and yet each time I did, I felt the thorns (fears) falling off and the horse blinders (lack of vision and creativity) lifted up.
On the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother, I took a day of retreat and thanked Jesus for giving me a pair of 'new eyes' ~ a renewed way of living, loving and relating with others.
You Changed My Life in a Momentvia opendrive.com
Listen ~ welcome the experience ~ let Him transform you.

“We need that love to make us fearless in our devotion."

~Jennifer Hartline, Falling In Love with God: The Greatest Romance

via Catholic Online

I took these parts out of my Vision Board and surrendered them to Jesus.

"Visualizing is what you want with your Vision Board,
Visioning is asking God what He wants from you."
~ Linda Lee

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*Note: What are the barriers that keep you from truly loving?

Create your own list ~ identify the barriers ~ what do you do next?

You may download our list as a pattern via opendrive.com.
We suggest you do this activity with a partner or a friend or in groups.