Gentleness
Have you ever been in the presence of someone who really carries gentleness? It brings a sense of security, of safety.
Recently, I met a man who I've mainly listened to on podcasts and videos. The word I would always use to describe him is just how gentle he seems. The gentleness that came from him gave me the impression that I could trust what he was saying in his teachings. I always wondered if this was the same in person. Whenever he stopped, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of gentleness; it was even stronger than portrayed in these videos. His gentleness was so genuine and sincere that you could nearly feel it coming off of him. I was in awe.
Gentleness does not mean a person is easily run over. There is actually great strength that accompanies it. Rather than brute force, there is an underlying affable confidence. Their approach to other people is with caution and not in a way of threat but of respect and honor.
Gentleness is shown through our words, through our touch, through our actions. I mean, if you think about it, how we approach every aspect of our day can be barreling through and demanding or easing in and yielding. This is not to say you let everyone walk all over you. This is to say you demand respect in your gentleness.
Gentleness doesn't ask you change what you know to do. Gentleness asks you to look deeper, to look at their heart and see where they're coming from, especially those you do not understand. It would like for you to listen a little better, to even see yourself inside of someone else and just approach and handle with the utmost care in your responses and actions.
May we treat one another with great responsibility and care. May we listen a little better. May we approach a little kinder. May we exude gentleness.
Photo Story: Hemingway Home is in located in Key West, Florida (the place of my second wedding). You guessed it: This is a home of Ernest Hemingway. While it is a beautiful home, my favorite part about it is the cats. The property is covered with polydactyl cats (with six toes). They guess between 40 and 50 kitties roam the grounds. Don't worry, all of the routine care is given. And Hemingway was given a six-toed cat from the captain of a ship, so chances are you're running into one of Hemingway's cat's relatives. Eh? It's said that Hemingway named all of his cats after famous people, so Hemingway Home follows suit today. You can click here to read more about these furry friends.
x Keely
