Craig Clouston

 Guard Their Hearts

February 14

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

As she crossed the threshold, her senses came alive. It took a moment for the

scent of apples and cinnamon to register. Then came the aroma of garlic, lemon

pepper, and onions. She was smiling as she set her purse on the stand by the

door.

Her husband appeared and took her jacket. “What are you up to?” she

asked with a question in her eyes. “Your table is ready, madam,” he teased with

a mischievous wink and escorted her into the dining room. He’d used their

best china in a table setting for two. Long stemmed roses woven into a twist-

ing candelabra created a beautiful centerpiece. The plates were adorned with

linen napkins arranged in the shape of hearts. The lights were low with a dozen

candles burning here and there and rose petals scattered on the table. He had

gone to great lengths to let her know how special she was. Aware that he had

spent the better part of the afternoon in preparation, the sensation of being

loved and adored flooded her heart.

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Proverbs instructs us to guard our hearts, for from it we live! If not well pro-

vided for, it loses the capacity to engage. Our hearts must be healthy and whole

to relate to the world the way we’re supposed to.

We were created for relationships. In them, we learn how to treat one

another. In marriage, we learn what it means to give of ourselves, to become

selfless, and to display our love for each other. We are given charge to guard not

only our heart, but the hearts of those we love. Their hearts, and therefore their

ability to love and live in covenant, is given over to us to care for and nurture.

When we place their needs ahead of our own, showing them we intend to

guard their hearts, we are filled with wonder and completeness.

Prayer

“Help us understand that Your mandate to “guard our

hearts” does not give us license to care only for our

own. Lord, teach us to love in a way that others may

benefit from our actions. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”