The Way of Gentleness

I've been struck of late with how the Lord interacts with us -in gentleness.  As I think about how God deals with me when I make mistakes or even outright rebel, I'm reminded to extend patience and grace to my children.

I've discovered that my demeaner and my heart attitudes are so important when interacting with my children.

I'm inspired to imitate my heavenly Father in being "slow to anger, but abounding in love."

Last week, I was trying to hurry through getting Keegan down for a nap.  We were at my parents home to celebrate a birthday and I wanted to quickly get back down to fellowship.  As Keegan began to whine and and make a comment about being lonely, my patience snapped.  On the tip of my tongue were harsh words and a threat of discipline if he didn't quickly obey, be quiet and let me get downstairs.  But something made me stop before those selfish words left my mouth. 

Mercifully, my eyes were opened.  My harsh words turned to words of comfort.  My hands gently caressed his hair.  A minute of cuddling and loving words, calmed his fears and I was soon on my way back downstairs.

I am so thankful that God's spirit is at work in me.  Changing me -daily.

I'm thankful for forgiveness, fresh grace, for new days and fresh beginnings.

Motherhood involves a lot of training.  Over and over and over again.  I have to remind myself that training is a process.  What I did today, I need patience to gently train them on again tomorrow.   Ann Voskamp has inspired me, yet again, as I found this old post where she discusses gently guiding our children.  She reminded us of the following fable where the wind and sun argued over which was stronger:

“The Wind began to blow cold blasts, but the man only drew his cloak closer, tighter about him to keep out the cold. Then the Sun took his turn, shining warm and full. Under the sun’s rays, the man released his grip on his coat, then threw it back, and, at last took it off! The Sun’s gentleness accomplished what the Wind’s force could not.”

So after a day, when I lacked gentleness and patience, I go to the Source and pray that I would hear His nudging and follow His leading tomorrow.   That instead of mighty blowing, I might be a reflection of the Son to my children and watch Him do a mighty work in their lives.