Saturday, April 9, 2011

Let Your Gentleness Be Evident to All

Near site of Brush Run Church in far western Pennsylvania, not far from Bethany College,WV

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4: 4-7

As I was picking up Gabe from daycare recently I passed a group of the tiny tots who'd gotten an opportunity to get outside to play.  They were enjoying the beauty of the day.  The young lady attending this group turned and spoke to say hello as I walked by.  The children then turned and extended the same courtesy.  I felt myself smiling as I continued on in to the building.

What if more of us would carry with us the enthusiasm and joy that we have as small children?

Why can't as adults we retain that exhibited gentleness and make it evident to everyone we encounter?
Children are all so innocent...with God so near to them. Why is it that as adults many of us don't feel God is near?  Isn't God just as near to us now as then?

Gabe & my friend, 'Rick'
The world presents so many paths for children to go down as they mature and grow.  As adults we see it happening before our eyes...yep...I can attest to it now that a child has come into my life.  What happens to us?  What causes so many of us to no longer rejoice with enthusiasm, or be gentle to all?

I contend that we all have it.  It's there within us; within our hearts and minds to bring that childhood gentleness into adulthood.  It, like the rest of us must grow and mature all the while keeping the enthusiasm and optimism for life.  Is it hard to do that?  You bet it is!  Nobody said it was going to be easy that's for sure, but if we're not so anxious and use some form of prayer or meditative spiritual reflection to center ourselves I believe we can bring forth those God given qualities that as children we share so easily.

Is it so hard to acknowledge the person in front of you in line at the grocery store?  I challenge you to this week make an extra effort, to go out of your way to seek out that gentleness and make it evident to all.  Show someone how close God is to us all.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all." 

Peace,
Ray

1 comment:

  1. Hey, Ray... if we were in the same grocery store line I'd certainly talk to you - or at least I'd talk with Gabe!

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