​Like a Refreshing Breeze

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23

“What specific quality would you like for God to develop in you this year?” asked the speaker. It was the first week of January, and we were all contemplating our annual goals. This question caught my attention and wouldn’t let go.

Driving home, I contemplated my response: I’d like to be less obsessive, less intense. I want to balance giving with receiving and then be comfortable with it. I want to learn to accept the person God designed me to be. I want to be less judgmental of myself and others.

Then a light bulb flashed in my mind: Gentleness! That’s what I want. I want to be more gentle.

Later, I looked up the word “gentle” and read this definition: “Kindly; moderate; a mild breeze, usually one with the velocity of no more than 12 miles per hour." I smiled as I imagined going through each day at a moderate pace. After all, I had previously run through life like a high-velocity wind, all while trying to keep my emotions and thoughts controlled. Now I desired gentleness.

I shared my goal with God, asked for His Spirit’s help and kept this picture in my mind and heart: Joan practicing gentleness, tenderness and kindness, first with herself and then touching others like a refreshing gentle breeze.

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Lord, what specific characteristic do we want to develop in me right now?

Make It Personal

Talk with God about your desire and draw a mental picture of what it will look like when you develop this quality in your life. 
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(This personal story is adapted from It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life)