Scarred People are Beautiful People

Man speaks:
I've seen a number of movies lately, Lord,
like Romeo and Juliet.
The love of young people - at least in these movies -
is beautiful: so simple, so total, so uncomplicated.
They seem so natural, so free in their feelings.
I wish I could be like that Lord.
I can't be. I've been hurt, Lord.
I have trusted and been betrayed at times.
I have tried to care and failed often.
I have shared secrets and heard them whispered to others.
I have loved and received nothing in return.
I have been warm and received a cold shoulder.
I have asked forgiveness and heard no response.
I've banged my shins.
I've fallen on my face.
I've been bruised.
I've been through it Lord.
Look Lord, I'm all covered with scars.

The Lord speaks:
Maybe you haven't understood enough.
Maybe you haven't learned that human life is like that.
All saints are scarred.
Young love isn't the highest form of human love.
The greatest love comes from scarred people.
I know that many people stop loving so they can't be hurt again.
But those people who do so, who continue in spite of all,
who leave themselves open to the possibility of hurt again,
these people are able to love in a deeper way,
a more understanding way, a richer way.

Man's response:
I think I know what you mean, Lord.
I've met people like that and knowing them gives me courage.
The great people are those who continue to love,
with all their scars.
I like scarred people, Lord. They are beautiful.