If there’s one thing I hope to inherit from my dad, it’s his gentleness. I often see his tenderness with his great-grandchildren. I’ve witnessed the gentle way he cared for his aging mother, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 103. Recently Kinsey’s family visited my parents and watched Peepaw rescue a distressed animal. A day-old calf was caught in some briars and separated from its mother on the opposite side of a shallow creek. Peepaw carefully untangled it, picked it up, and walked it across the stream to be re-united with its mother.
My dad turns 88 on March 19 and happily continues his gentle ways with people and animals. Our grandson Wilkes turns 6 two days later. We got to join family and friends this past Sunday for an early birthday celebration in the park.
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, One who knows His sheep by name and cares so much for each of them that He was willing to lay down His life. In my mind, I picture His gentleness most clearly as He welcomed children into His arms. You can tell a lot about a person by how they interact with kids. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
If you have not yet discovered ‘The Chosen’ video series about Jesus, find it online and watch it for free. Episode 3 is called ‘Jesus and the Children’ and shows the King of kings befriending a group of Hebrew kids. Don’t expect action-packed drama in this episode, but marvel at the gentleness, wisdom, and love displayed. Surely every parent wants their children to meet such a Man.
Jesus is gentle with adults too… The blind beggar, the woman caught in adultery, the teacher who came to Him at night, the woman at the well, the despised tax collector… all experienced One who could have judged, but instead showed tender mercy. And still today, Jesus welcomes all who will listen to His voice. There is no sweeter invitation…
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30