What is the keystone of the interior life? Don Chautard says it's custody of the heart. In his book, "The Soul of the Apostolate", he gives a great explanation on what custody of the heart is and why it is important.

 

"Custody of the heart means nothing else but the habitual, or at least frequent solicitude to preserve all our acts, as we perform them, from everything that might corrupt their motive or their accomplishment.

 

Q: How is purity of intention to be acquired?

A: It is acquired by close attention to ourselves at the beginning and above all during the course of our actions.

 

Q: Why is this attention necessary at the beginning of our actions?

A: Because if these actions are pleasing, useful or in harmony with our natural attractions, nature at once moves to perform them of its own accord, attracted by pleasure and self-interest alone. But we must pay great attention to ourselves, indeed we must have great command over ourselves, if we are to prevent the will from being rushed off its feet so to speak, by the appeals of natural motives with their flattery, solicitations, and attractions.

 

Q: Why do you add that this attention is above all necessary during the course of our actions?

A: Because even when a person has the strength to repudiate, at the outset, every seductive appeal of sense and self-love, in order to follow in all things nothing but the direction of faith, in all purity of intention; nevertheless if he forgets, later on, to keep a close watch on himself, the actual enjoyment of the pleasure that makes itself felt, or of the advantages that accrue during the course of certain tasks can make you lose sight of your original good motive."

 

St. Paul sums it up very simply when he said, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

To develop any worthwhile habit takes conscious, deliberate effort.  Here are three ideas on how to make custody of the heart a habit:

 

1.  Set reminders on your phone:

Setting your phone to remind you in the morning, before lunch and before dinner to purify your motives and reconsecrate your actions to God, is an easy and effective way to make custody of the heart a habit.

 

2.  Tape reminders where you will frequently see them: (short term tool to develop the habit)

Taping 'Sursum Corda' (lift up your hearts)-or a similar phrase- on your dashboard and around your desk as a reminder can be very helpful.  Since most people use both of these places frequently, they are very helpful in quickly developing the habit of being recollected.

 

3.  Hang up holy pictures, or Bible verses around your house: (Permanent tool)

While you might be cleaning the kitchen or just watching TV, It is a great way to help you stay recollected. It is also a great way to start teaching your children recollection as well.  Tell them that these pictures are to remind everyone throughout the day, to take a quick moment and lift your heart to God, offering to do your school work, chores or recreation out of love for Him.

 

Custody of the heart is an easy habit to develop, but remember what is easy to do, is also easy not to do. So take action! Do something today to start forming this habit.

 

What helps you keep custody of the heart and stay recollected throughout the day? Please comment below!

 

 

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