I am one of the many recipients who receive an email from Alan Webster, who writes his thoughts in a daily output called Quiet Times. Often there is food for thought and encouragement for those who need it.
At times I can be a ‘word-and- phrase catcher’ and so it was with the last QT that came my way, the phrase – ‘soft things.’
For some reason it conjured up in me a feeling of gentleness, and I got to thinking about what the ‘soft things’ were that spoke to me personally.
But before I expand on this I want to share with you the Scripture and the particular paragraph that stood out.
The title of his writing is Spring into Life, – with a nod to the coming season of Spring,
– and as Hosea writes to those who have fallen away, to return to the road less travelled.
Hosea 14:5-7
5. I will be like the dew to Israel,
He shall grow like the lily,
And lengthen his roots like Lebanon,
6. His branches shall spread,
His beauty shall be like an olive tree,
And his fragrance like Lebanon.
7. Those that dwell under his shadow shall return;
They shall be revived like grain,
And grow like a vine
Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
“What a wonderful picture of awakening is given in these verses by Hosea
Note the gentleness of the Lord who offers soft things like dew and shade,
almost imperceptible touches of grace to allow room for healing and restoration.
Nothing is forced, nothing pushy, nothing fabricated.
Providing the right conditions of water, sun and shade,
the plants that have withered and perished can come back to life.
………. And even while the hot dry winds of August blow, blossoms are appearing.
Father, I praise You for the life that comes after a dormant season. Amen “
In essence it is to me a description of the way the Lord works.
He offers soft things like dew and shade…
Nothing is forced, nothing pushy, nothing fabricated….
…. The plants that have withered and perished can come back to life.
Such a gentle God, a characteristic we do not often ascribe to Him, yet He is gentleness itself. Gentleness, when delivered, brings with it such grace, relief and freedom to the person to be themselves and feel acknowledged, accepted and loved.
So what soft things talk to me ? My ‘beeg’ blue soft cushion on which I prop up when I read, or when I feel to rest my sleepy head. The nearness of my cosy cat.
Soft serve ice-cream !
And for soft cool breezes on a humid and hot summer day.
But most of all the soft kind words of people by, through and to people, – are a few that come to mind.
What are the ‘soft things’ that imperceptibly move you ?
Give it some thought, write them down, even create a poem ? – and perhaps discover the gentleness in you.
CareSA 