#213

Recently, quite a few family members stayed with us for the British Lions series against the Wallabies.

The house was noisy and chaotic - shoes everywhere, late-night laughter, messy and elongated breakfasts, raucous Disney music bingo - the kind of happy mess that comes with family in close quarters.

On leaving, one of them wrote in our visitor book:

“You must have elastic walls and elastic hearts.”

It was a heart-felt and endearing compliment.

Elastic walls absorb noise, clutter, and the sort of commotion and connection that creates a memorable experience.

Elastic hearts absorb unconditionally - difference, disruption, and personalised breakfast coffee orders!

And it got me wondering… how elastic are our hearts?

When elasticity might be useful...

Think of the moments when your heart stretches:

• Forgiveness. When someone hurts you, but you allow space for repair

• Parenting. Children push boundaries daily; an elastic heart bends without breaking

• Friendship. When a friend is late, distracted, or absent, elasticity keeps the door open

• Leadership. The best leaders know when to flex - to allow mistakes, learning curves, and second chances

Elasticity means resilience. It means we don’t snap at the first sign of pressure – albeit tested many times over the last few weeks. It means we bend so connection isn’t lost.

 
When elasticity might harm...

But elasticity isn’t always the answer. Sometimes a rigid line is an act of love too:

• Boundaries. Saying no to protect your energy or integrity

• Values. Not compromising on what you know to be right

• Self-respect. Refusing to keep stretching for someone who never meets you halfway or even along the way

• Safety. Elasticity in the wrong hands can look like enabling or tolerating harm

An elastic heart can be a superpower - but it can also lead to being overstretched.

An elastic band is most useful when stretched but at the optimal tension.

Even the most elastic band will eventually snap if it’s stretched too far.

 
The whisper this week:

Notice where elasticity is serving you and where rigidity might actually be the wiser choice.

Because love, leadership, and life all ask us the same question:

When is it time to stretch, and when is it time to stand firm?

 
Questions for reflection:

• Where in my life am I proud of the elasticity of my heart?

• Where might I be overstretching, to my own detriment?

• What boundary or value do I need to hold more firmly?

• Who in my world might need me to flex a little more right now?

• If my heart had both elasticity and strength, what would that balance look like this week?