We erroneously think that strength and feeling sad or feeling hurt can’t go together. I believe that God’s greatness is shown, in part, by his capacity to feel pain deeply and not be damaged by it . Have you ever tried to put yourself in his shoes? Imagine that you were the only person on the planet: as he shared in your life would he be thrilled at being taken along with you everywhere you go, would he feel included in every reaction and decision?

I believe that just as there is a God shaped emptiness in us that is only filled by him, that God has carved a ME shaped emptiness in himself that he longs to fill with my love attention devotion and by sharing my life with me. Sharing my emotions, thoughts, choices and creativity that he placed in me. After all he has my name CARVED in the palm of his hand! Ouch! Surely he has a longing to have me as his own and a joy when I give myself to him day by day.Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemptionJohn 11:35

Jesus wept.Matthew 23:37

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!^{Hosea 11: 7} And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.⁸ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.⁹ I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of theeMatthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. As for me, I am glad that I do not have a high priest that is not intimate with pain and suffering but one who has not only been there but continues to be there in each of our valleys and triumphs: a God who not only wants me with his reasoning but also with his heart. A heart that I have the privilege to offer myself to with the confidence he wants me and delights in me.