“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
-Proverbs 4:23
There is so much truth in those words. Truth I desperately needed to read and let sink in today. As I contemplated what to write about this week, I struggled to come up with anything. I want this blog to be positive and uplifting, but lately I’ve been feeling the opposite of that. This verse was the perfect reminder of why I want to keep a positive perspective.
On my journey as a special needs mom, I often have to remind myself to let it make me better, not bitter. For me, guarding my heart means not letting it be hardened by the harsh reality of our world. Sometimes it’s easier to be defensive and cynical than optimistic and positive. I need constant reminders to keep a soft heart, but thick skin.
I feel like thick skin is necessary in our world. Maybe it’s a survival tactic that allows us to get by day to day. Let’s face it, life is HARD. It’s hard for all of us, in different ways at different times. There’s always good in the world, and joy can be found, but no one gets a free pass and an easy ride all the time. Without thick skin, all the tough stuff in life can be overwhelming. I’ve got a long way to 
go when it comes to having thick skin. Sometimes I feel like crying at the drop of a hat (or parts of Gage’s wheelchair falling off for no apparent reason!!) Or I may be easily offended by a comment I felt was rude or condescending. For me, “thick skin” is a reminder to suck it up and get stuff done!
But thick skin on its own doesn’t do any good. The soft heart part of that equation is equally, maybe even more important. As I interact with others, I need to realize I have no idea what their struggles are—what makes life hard for them. Unless I’m treating them with kindness and love, rather than insisting on my own way, I won’t accomplish much. I can get so caught up in trying to advocate for my son that I miss the opportunity to just form a genuine connection with people so we can work together towards the same goals.
Which brings me back to why that verse from Proverbs hit so close to home. It not only served as a reminder to guard my heart, but also left me feeling convicted—an eye opener that the state of my heart effects EVERYTHING I do. When I get bogged down by the hard stuff (tough transitions, new realities, hectic schedules) it takes a toll on my spirit. It effects the way I treat other people. It makes me less patient and more irritable. That’s not the person I want to be. It’s not the life I want to live. Since everything I do flows from it, I’m going to make a better effort to guard my heart.