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“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:29
I was awake last night from 3-4 a.m. This morning when I awakened, I cuddled and wiggled into my soft, warm, squishy duvet. I was mentally glancing at my heart-feelings. They were a little fretful. I lay there feeling I needed to make some big decisions that had come into my life. I pondered questions about the future, about my children’s health, lives, and future, and the state of our crazy world and country. All of a sudden, God seemed to whisper, “Be gentle with yourself today. Don’t make this day the one where you get everything done, figure life out, take care of everyone else in the world. Just be still, just rest, just breathe in my peace.” Truly, it was the message that came to my heart, even though it would be a busy, demanding one, I could choose to be mindful of gentleness.
I eased into my morning, gentle, soft music, my favorite china mug filled with hot, steaming tea, a candle flickering, a view to my gently shimmering aspen trees outside. Ahhh, peace.
Many years, I lived as Martha, rushing around, busying myself, planning more than I could accomplish, then getting grumpy with kids when life didn’t go as planned. I could see how fruitless and wasted this attitude was, but something pushed me, perhaps from guilt, to work harder, push more, get more done.
Little by little, I learned that I cannot control life, I am not in charge of the universe. Children, computers and people do not easily and naturally conform to “Sally’s” expectations and demands. I wasted energy and emotion being a bit anxious, demanding.
Today, I explore gentleness as fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, "Learn from me and you will find rest." You will see in many verses I share today, gentleness comes from the heart of God, even amidst a busy life. The more we experience His gentleness in the depths of our hearts, where fears, selfishness and anxiety live, the more we will be able to exhibit the gentleness of Christ to those surrounding us. Our children, husband, friends, long for gentleness as our response.