Day 2 - Gentle touch and gentle demeanour

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1

I was enjoying a drive through the leafy Cotswolds when my mobile phone started doing the flips. So, being a good driver, I pulled off the road to take the call. When the call ended I relaxed in the glow of a glorious evening. From my prominent position, I saw the autumnal scene stretched before me. My only companion was the distant hum of farm machinery, carried on the gentle evening breeze. Then, bang, I was jolted out of my tranquil state as my car lurched forward. "What the ...”, I thought. Leaping from the car, I saw a lady carefully examining our respective bumpers.

“Doesn’t seem to be any damage,” she said smiling, before asking, “Are you OK, my love?” This was disarming, as I was fuming and ready to reveal exactly what I thought. This willowy woman exhibited a calm air of authority, as she glided towards me in her cool caftan. Her garment bore the resemblance of an original sixties couture and flowed perfectly as it matched her gentle progress. The gentle touch of her hand on my arm felt like it came from a healing nurse. She asked, “Are you sure you are OK, my love?” Taken aback, I spluttered, “Yes, er, I think so.” She smiled back, and said, “That’s good. Must take Pinky and Bluebell, for their evening stroll. Bye.” And she disappeared into the evening sunshine like a hazy mirage. I returned to my car to reflect mindfully on what had happened.

Gentle touch and gentle demeanour.

Gentleness = fruit of the spirit.

Gentle words, as in Proverbs 15:1.

I had received a lesson in gentleness and self-control (which are wonderful fruits of the Spirit) by default. I accept that on occasion you need to be assertive before calm words can prevail but, in the end, a calm discussion usually succeeds. I also accept that physical contact with a stranger is not always appropriate but, on this occasion, it worked.

How do you deal with tense situations? Do You have friends, church members or family like that? If so, do you come to an accommodation where you live in harmony with your local group and extended family? How and why do you achieve this forgiving state? For some folk, it is just one of those things. Perhaps, you can shrug your shoulders and move on. Others may have a brief period of seething before returning to a state of normality. A few people may cut ties for a long time.

Prayer

Father, as your Son taught us, we ask that you “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Reveal the areas of our lives which cause issues for others, which we need to change. We also pray for humility when others point these out.

Finally, we ask for the gentle words and actions needed to calm troubled situations and that you make us vessels of peace. Amen

Michael Rolton