Wisdom and Gentleness

There's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, and gives gentleness to words and manners. ~Ecclesiastes 8:1 The Message Bible

Rarely, does spring arrive the first few days of March in the Midwest. It normally likes to toy with the senses as it comes and goes throughout the month dropping hints that it will eventually settle in for the season. However, spring was giddy this year and couldn't wait to arrive on the scene with its warmth and aroma. It not only arrived, but it had no intention of leaving. Winter was put to rest as spring showed its dominance.

This surprise left me unprepared for what lie ahead. Years ago, I lost count of how many hosta plants grow in our yard along with many other perennials.  I usually spend the month of March cleaning them off a little at a time preparing for spring's arrival.  The sunny days and warm temperatures invited my plants to begin growing much earlier than expected. I found myself scurrying to take the time needed to tend to their individual needs. Some plants had sprouted much higher than others, and it now would take much more time and gentleness to remove winter's debris that lay atop each of them.

As I crawled through the yard uncovering one plant at a time, it was easy to see that each plant had individual characteristics and needs. Some plants took very little effort to uncover, but others took much more time and energy. Leaves were wedged between their individual sprouts, and in order to not harm them, I gently used my fingers to remove anything that would obstruct their spring growth and beauty.

As I took a break and stood on occasion, to give my knees and back a little rest, I marveled at the transformation that was taking place in the yard. It started revealing spring in every direction. Spring had visually and physically brought new life to this yard that looked so dreary and dead from winter's harshness.

Sometimes, we can find ourselves a lot like those perennials that grow in our yards. We can be bogged down by the ugliness that covers that beauty and newness that lies beneath the surface of our lives. Winter sets in and leaves us wondering if we can ever find a way to be strong enough to sprout the beauty of life through the heaviness we feel around us. If we have faith to call out in prayer to God for help, we may soon find his gentle response to our needs. I can't count the times that God has sent just the right person into my life to gently help remove the dark debris that can sometimes hover over me and remind me that underneath lies a precious child of God loved completely.

Yes, God is very wise, and He often sends gentle loving people into our lives, so that we can feel the warmth and grace of the Sonshine that will remove those layers of darkness. Growing in and through Him is a remarkable way to see life transform into a beautiful faith filled arena overflowing with abundant grace.

Let us pray,

Wise and Gentle Father,
Thank you for the gift of springtime that reminds us that as the seasons come and go, You know our every need. Help us to grow closer to You so that we may come to trust that even when the layers of darkness try to cover our lives, You will send Your loving and gentle children to remind us that we are loved eternally by You.
Amen