Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

We probably think most about the heart on Valentine’s Day. Vendors like Hallmark cards, Brach’s candy and FTD flowers make us ever so aware of and stay busy in preparation for that day.

Second thing most people likely think about is the American Heart Association and their information campaign that has improved the quality of life for those who listened and took action in how they approach physical heart health.

I’d like to look at the heart from a slightly different perspective. Not paper, chocolate, flowers or the incredible blood pump but part of us often connected with feelings, compassion and a connection to our souls.

Each day I pray for God to open my heart, cleanse my heart and fill my heart with his word.

A friend who was providing counsel on an issue I’ve been struggling with offered the following bible passages as well as a testament of some of his own dealings of the heart.

Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 27:19: “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Psalm 31:24: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

My takeaway from digesting these passages:
•You cannot function well as a person (whether in the capacity of a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend) if your heart is misaligned
•You cannot function well for others if you don’t understand yourself
•You cannot function well as a leader if you rely solely on your mind and ignore your heart

My typical purpose is not to assemble all the answers or even hammer home a point. Rather, I prefer to provoke thought. This morning is a substantial provocation that should set in motion your mindful journey, your personal deliberation of what your heart means to you and whether you are aligned.

Have a blessed weekend.