I saw a picture of a person standing with their arms stretched wide open. After I unknowingly started singing part of the chorus from an old Creed song, I started thinking about how uncommon it is for us to make this motion. What is it about this position that says so much without using any words? I think it is very difficult to half heartedly form this position. When done right, it shows excitement. It makes me think of incredible love. I have opened my arms like this and told my kids "I love you THIS much!" My heart is filled knowing that no matter how much I stretch out my arms, Jesus stretches his further. In fact, it was this position that he took in order to give me life. He stretched his arms wide open when he died on the cross for me. I think the power of this position exists because it evokes so much emotion not only because you can't do it half heartedly, but because it is hard for anyone to deny Christ while standing (or even seeing someone else) in the position.
God began to speak to my heart and remind me that he wants my life to be lived in this position. Where this position speaks of excitement, whole heartedness, passion, love and forgiveness, it also expresses fullness. It says, "I have so much in me that I just can't contain it. I have to stand with arms wide open and shout from the roof top!" Jesus wants us to have a full life. In John 10:10 Jesus says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." It was a gentle reminder for me that I can't worry about what someone else thinks and live my life in this position. I can't build walls around my heart and not allow people in while living my life in this position. There is no half hearted living in this position. It is the position I picture living life and having it to the full!
Thank you Jesus for stretching your arms wide open for me, for showing me how much you love me. Thank you for this image of what a full life looks like. I pray that you help me to live my life in this position, not afraid to be who you've created me to be, facing life whole heartely and so full that I just can't keep it to myself.
