A soft heart

It's Valentines Week.  I have been working this month on having a 'soft heart'.   I read a book by Virginia Pearce several years ago.  Her message has stayed with me now for several years.  It had a true impact on me. 

I have noticed that when I become annoyed, impatient, or mad my heart is not soft.  My heart
feels hard, cold, far back in my chest. 
I am working on telling myself that I want a soft heart when I have negative feelings.

When I have served someone and feel love towards others, my heart feels soft, enlarged and
seems to move out of the dark cavity of my chest.

I can truly feel the difference in a physical way.  Love is a softening of the heart.  Pride is a hardening.

The word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul.

An open heart looks outward.   A closed heart looks inward.    I submit this challenge to you.
Try it!  You will notice a difference if you become aware of your heart.

Alma said, "I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts.  Alma 24:8

A great way to accomplish the turning of your heart is through prayer. 
Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.  Moroni 7:48

An open heart is:

ENLARGED
SOFT
OPEN
WARM
CLOSE TO THE SURFACE OF THE CHEST WALL

--------------------------------

A Closed Heart Is:

SHRIVELED
SMALL
HARD
CLOSED
COLD
TUCKED AWAY DEEP INSIDE A PROTECTIVE WALL