What I used to be.

This verse often is used in a romantic sense:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov 4:23

However, if we read it in context it refers to the aspect of using wisdom in our lives... keeping corruption out and watching the company we keep. It is frustrating when I hear this verse used out of context but I understand where the mistake is made. This is not a dating verse but I believe it has to do with the problem of the world's values polluting our hearts and becoming competition for God's love and his laws. Often it is thought that this verse is saying that when we consider another for marriage we should guard our hearts from becoming attached too easily. I don't think thats that topic here, although because we know God's character we understand that it can be applied in the same manner. I guess i'm just making a point that doesn't really have to be made. 

I used to be very very guarded. Some people are not this way, we all have our individual struggles... but for myself, I needed to learn to open up. The way I 'guard' my heart in a relational way is different than how I used to. And my relationships with everyone; my family, friends and 'potentials' have flourished. 

Above all, pursue wisdom. The fear (respect) of God is the beginning of wisdom. What a great place to to start!