Happy 2018

Today is the 18th January, 2018. School started yesterday and although there is a whole house that desperately needs a spring clean after 7 weeks of school holiday, I just HAD to write something. Anything! So herewith my first efforts at benumbing my brain. 

2018

What's new this year? You may call me a new year's solutionist  ;) 

Sure, spring cleaning my home... eventually. But what I am really hoping for is to increase my gentleness. Yes, the thing that seems so easy but out of reach when I need it most. "Let your gentleness be evident to all". *sigh*

I am more of a spirited, hot headed, highly opinionated, fighter for truth. So, being gentle and doing gentle is kind of not my thing. I bias the other way.

But I read this incredible portion of scripture the other day that convinced me: gentleness is the BETTER way!

Job 29:21-23 | NIV

"People listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel. After I had spoken, they spoke no more; my words fell gently on their ears. They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain."

... after I had spoken, they spoke no more.... Man, that would be great! Imagine, every time I tell my kids something, they don't talk back AT ALL!

Sounds awesome, right?

But here is the clincher: For that to happen, my words need to fall gently on their ears.  And also, according to the preceding passage of scripture, it is quite apparent that Job had huge credibility. Before he spoke, he did a whole lot of good things that people commended him for. My actions need to be good and just (and consistent as a parent) and my words gentle BEFORE I can expect my kids to behave with stunned silence and immediate obedience. *Lalala, heaven! But I'm first gonna have to raise hell 'gainst my own frustration, impatience, rage, annoyance, selfishness... Yikes.*

"My words fell gently on their ears..."

"It was like spring rain"

May 2018 be a year where my words will be fresh and refreshing, Godly, apt, gracious and kind. *God help me!*

May I speak life. Not just positive sayings and pretty quotes, but life as defined: God-breathed, creating action, putting-in-motion.

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here

-So Will I lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

*To ponder:

Paul also writes to the Corinthians, 1 Cor 4:20, 21  "For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?"  He was writing about arrogant talkers/boasters and sexual immoral people in this passage. He clearly believes that there is much more power in a spirit of gentleness (and faithfulness, 1 Cor 4:2) to sort out these issues than empty talk and threats.

Here's to year filled with the power of gentleness.