Say to the Daughter of Zion, behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.
Matthew 21: 5 NASB

 

I miss the makeshift tents, scattered blocks and Picasso pieces, play dough soups, pies, snakes and spiked dinosaurs. Our baskets of books are too neatly stacked, and I wish I could find a grape or cracker crumb on the floor. The windows and curtains are washed and hung; the kitchen cabinets are next; however, I long for the curiosity, wonder, and insight of my young grandsons. From their storytelling to their conquering fears and climbing over boundaries, they’ve kept me humble, watchful, and flexible. Simple prayers for kindness and obedience, and patience and endurance often marked our start, middle, and end. But I miss our cuddles and singing the most.

Our home is too quiet during the Coronavirus pandemic. I catch myself whispering; sometimes, to no one in particular; and, the next minute I know who I’ve been conversing with for the last ten minutes. I’m reminded of our first year of marriage when we’d moved away from family and friends. The walls and cramped corners didn’t respond then either. I am lonely!

My husband has had to work during these trying times; he’s often on the phone throughout the night. I teased him the other evening, that by the time he gets home, he’s used up all his words for the day. He wishes he could mow the grass. Instead, he heads to the woods with his chainsaw. I’m thankful that I too can escape to our land and my well-marked trails for fresh air.

I could easily be frustrated and grouchy. Instead, I’ve purposed to consider the nature of God and the character and Way of Jesus. How would He respond during a forced quarantine? He often withdrew to the mountaintop or seaside for rest and replenishment. Time alone with the Father strengthened Him. He set an example in the messy, twisted, and knotted olive grove. Be still. Pray. Study and meditate on His Word. Dig deep into Truth so that your roots grow strong.

Jesus was also generous, patient, and long-suffering. He was gentle and humble in the manner He came as King, and the way He served. Gentle isn’t a term I would often associate with a man. Although, I’ve seen tenderness in my sons, son-in-law, and husband as they cared for the children in our family. However, it’s a sensitivity marked also by strength. Therefore, be gentle and mild mannered.

Consider the concerns, fears, and choices of others. We try to keep our circles tight; but then again, we each have different health concerns and/or obligations. Some are on the frontline!

Jesus chose His words with care. He didn’t shame His disciples or the crowds for their failures, wrongdoings, forgetfulness, or irresponsible beliefs and actions. Second chances ruled. A timid and impulsive Peter became a rock, the founder of Christ’s church. Likewise, a harlot saves a city with her scarlet cord. Jesus was dismissed and abused plenty. But he turned the other cheek. He stirred the coals and made breakfast and washed His disciples’ feet. His mercy is also for us. It is a new day in a strange season.

Jesus sat on a donkey that had not been tamed or ridden. Lay your coats down for Christ. Look outward. Show Him honor and respect by your response. Be gentle with one another. Generous. Considerate. Say simple, heartfelt prayers from the first break of dawn ‘til the sun peeks through the gray, and then slips beyond the hills.

What a feast it will be when we can finally gather!
Iron the linens, set the table, and consider the menu. Who will you invite?

Choose gentleness today,

Lily Mae