Ballistic Vests And Protection

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 

 

Have you ever thought about how much gear our First Responders have to carry and wear?  If amazes me that they can even move with all that stuff.  But each item has an important purpose and that purpose is to provide protection to the First Responder.  I'm going to be completely honest, I am glad First Responders have all that gear to keep them safe, because when THEY are safe I am going to be safe.

 

Now here's something that I, as a Chaplain, have dealt with many times in the past and probably will continue to deal with until Jesus returns...with all the First Responders see, experience, face, and endure it shouldn't be any wonder why it is easy for them to become jaded and calloused.  It's as if they have replaced their heart with a cast iron box that nothing can penetrate.  And that makes family life difficult.

 

So how can we help prevent having a cast iron heart?  By protecting it!  "GUARD YOUR HEART ABOVE ALL ELSE!" Can't get much clearer than that.  Guard your heart so that you can remember that "thou art human."  And here's the fun part, those of us who are not First Responders can help with the heart guarding by being grateful and encouraging.  Thank a First Responder.  Perhaps, if you feel generous, purchase their meal.  Help your children to share their gratitude as well.  I have to smile every time I see the posts on Facebook of Richland County's "High-Five Fridays" where the Deputies go to the schools and high-five the children as they come in.  

 

It isn't difficult to be an encourager, it just takes a little thought and time.  Remember, we are to do to others as we want done to us.  Encourage to be encouraged.  Share gratitude to be shown gratitude.