Blog

 

As we entered the month of May we moved our Fruit of the Spirit focus on to the fruit of Gentleness.  The definition we are using each morning is as follows:

 

Gentleness is being loving, tender, calm, and humble in the things you say and do instead of being harsh or mean.  It is a mildness or meekness (quiet, gentle) of spirit.  When I am gentle with someone I speak the truth in love.  

 

Having discussed how we can be more gentle with each other in all aspects of our daily lives, I find myself watching and looking for the various interactions between people here at the school.  My favorite spot to watch is with our youngest students. 

 

I am blessed to be able to do drop-off each Monday and Wednesday morning out front and see their interactions with each other.  Recently, I watched as one classmate arrived and was a little sad having to leave mom and dad to come to school and his classmates gathered around him and gently inquired about what was wrong and gave him hugs to try and help him feel better.  Then another friend came along and asked what he wanted to do later at recess, and they walked away together chatting away and moving on with their day because they felt safe in each other’s presence and that they cared for each other.  Melted my heart.

 

I’ve heard stories where students have sat beside a friend who is having a rough time and helped them try to stop their crying, rub their back and also pray with them.

 

I have also been asked by a student if I would pray with them before they start their day because they are feeling a little out of sorts and anxious about their day.

 

This is why we exist as a school.  To create a place where gentleness of spirit is a proper description of our students and life here at the school.  I do have to admit though that I wish everyone had that innocence of our JK and SK students.  They never hesitate to show gentleness and kindness to one another.  The empathy they show to each other is inspiring.  

 

I have to challenge myself to tap back into that child-like faith and wonder.  The ability to see when someone is hurting and a gentle word of support or encouragement will make the biggest difference.  To not be so caught up in my own stuff that I am too busy to show grace, mercy and care to my brother or sister in Christ. Why did this innocent, gentle spirit change as we grew older?  What do I need to change to get back to it?

 

Lord help us all to be like the little children, whose pureness of heart and spirit, derived from you, is what people see in action in me and the rest of us.