Soft Sunrises

The time change is this weekend and I’m looking forward to getting an extra hour of sleep! I’m also looking forward to having the sun up at an earlier hour. I’m a morning person, but only when the sun is up!

One thing that has been different for me this season is my morning commute. In the past ten years, a seven minute commute has been my longest commute. I now have a 25-minute commute. I’ve enjoyed the quiet in the mornings and listening to podcasts or chatting with friends on the drive home.

Lately, my morning commutes have been dark as we’ve moved closer to winter. I’ve actually had to turn the lights on as I get ready for work. Every morning on the last five minutes of my drive, I get to see the sunrise. I come down off a steep hill and drive across the Arkansas River. Right about the time I’m on the bridge the sky is turning different shades of light. I’ve been amazed at the softness of these colors.

The sun is not a weak star. I’ve been pondering the thought that the sunrise could burst across the sky in the morning at full strength and yet it gently spreads it’s warming rays across the sky. Why? Why did the Lord create sunrises this way?

My brain has been dwelling on the gentleness of Christ Jesus. He is the Son of God and yet He was gentle in so many of His interactions. He definitely had strength and it was shown at different points in Scripture, but He was also meek (strength under control). Why? Why was this a character quality that was important to Him?

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls

Matthew 11:29

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!

2 Corinthians 10:1

Gentle – free from harshness, sternness, or violence; soft, delicate; moderate

Merriam-Webster

I just finished a great book by Jen Wilkins, “In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character.” The author challenges her readers to not only dwell on His character but to look for ways to reflect those qualities. Gentleness was not one of the characteristics in the book, but the principles in the book have challenged me to reflect on why gentleness is so important to Christ and how can I implement it in my own life. How can I emulate this character quality?

• When I’m spending time with my young nieces and nephews, I can gently interact with them.
• When I’m frustrated (especially with a sibling) I can choose to not be harsh.
• I can embraces the softness of my femininity. I believe the beauty of being a woman is acknowledging and using the God given gifts of strength and softness.
• I can choose to listen to differing opinions and gently speak truth when prompted by the Spirit.
• I can sit with those who are hurting.

In this month of reflecting on thankfulness, may I be thankful for the gentleness that God has shown me. May I joyfully and thankfully reflect that gentleness.