Whether you’re a stay at home mom, a business woman, or a working single girl, you do a lot. Probably a lot more than you actually give yourself credit. From wrangling kids to taming your burgeoning agenda, life demands a lot of doing.
But in all of our doing may we not forget to be.
Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. – Ephesians 4:2 (The Voice)
In the haste to get things done, we can easily become overwhelmed and agitated. I’m wishing you a day full of the three b(s)—humility, gentleness, patience topped off with love.
What does humility in our doing look like to you? How do you balance gentleness with the need to be firm at times?
Until next time….
Humility is most evidenced for me by those who are willing to help someone else attain the same proficiency they have attained.
Gentleness tempered with firmness requires respect–for both the person you are addressing and for yourself. These days I find that timing is critical is as critical as what I say.
Love how you describe Pam. To reach back and pull someone up to your level of proficiency shows a confident assurance in God’s provision for you as well as a concern and compassion for another.
I agree with Pam. Humility is helping another attain their goals, even if they surpass yours. It looks like a person becoming a stepping stone for another. Not being a mat to be trampled-upon, but a sturdy encouraging stone.
What a great visual you’ve given me Cynthia. Both a stepping stone and mat have the feet of others placed upon them but the how and why differs greatly.
Yes, the grace to be in the midst of our doing.
What does humility in our doing look like to you?
Humility looks like putting others ahead of myself. It means putting God first. It means neither egotistical pride nor unhealthy low self-esteem. It is looking at how Jesus lived His life.
How do you balance gentleness with the need to be firm at times?
Again, Jesus’ example is the best. To let my words be tempered with love. To speak them quietly, with humility.
GOD BLESS!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sharon. I think finding the balance between neither egotistical pride and unhealthy low self-esteem can be a challenge.
Very insightful words, Wanda. For me, humility is restraint…not letting my freedom and free will be an excuse to be out of balance and difficult. I’ve found that restraint is not often a welcomed quality, but it has kept me from saying and doing things in a rushed “know it all” and unloving way. I’ve taught myself restraint in little ways. When I play board games with my little cousins, I don’t show out with big words. I’m a ruthless Scrabble junkie and I am usually tempted to whip them senseless, but I hold back and give the little ones a chance to win. When I show restraint I lose pride and the sole focus on the outcome for me, and gain humility and a focus on the outcome for others. Just last night I was reading 2 Timothy 2:2 about the type of person Paul entrusted the message to. Even with the Gospel, the truth, how we relate to others matter, and humility helps us with the how of communicating patiently, gently and lovingly.
I like how you presented a very practical explanation of humility LaVonne. I couldn’t help but giggle about you wanting to whip the poor little kidos senseless.
Hi Wanda! Love this post! It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and forget that we should just simply “be”. Humility to me is walking out Luke 10:27. One must humble himself in order to love and serve someone else. True humility is rejoicing in the success and advancement of others without any ulterior motives. Thanks for sharing Wanda, have a blessed week!
Without ulterior motives is a very key point Michell. There are a lot of reasons why we may doing a thing. Thanks again for featuring my blog. Have a great rest of the week.
Balancing gentleness with the need to be firm at times is truly a challenge -at times. This is an area that I have to work at. Because I am not a loud person, people often mistake my mildness for weakness. Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed week!
You sound a lot like me Trinity. I tend to be on the quiet side as well and times we I want to be firm, I find myself being too soft.
Hi Wanda, great word today. Do and Be… absolutely
God bless
Tracy
Blessings to you Tracy. May all your doings be laced with the three b’s
Hi Wanda! Very good message in such a short post. I think the key is in the scripture you chose. If your actions are in love, firmness and humility will work together. Came to show some love for your DYWW feature. Happy belated Mother’s Day.
Hi Joi. Appreciate you showing some love today. I was surprised when I popped over to Michell’s and found I was the featured blogger. Hope your week is going well.
I’ve found that the only way I can “be” those things is to “be” with God, which looks like having some quiet time with Him every day. Thanks for the reminder. I’m off to do that now!
Oh wise words Jen. It’s in our being with God that gives us the ability to be all that he has called us to be. Have a great rest of the week.
Great advice for everyone!
Indeed it’s something we all could use.
This is definitely something that I need to work on – balance! Usually I can conquer one or two but all three at the same time can be a struggle. I have a very straight-forward and direct personality so I’m working on really stopping to think and form my words before speaking to others so that my well-intended words will be spoken with love and gentleness (when needed). There are times when a situation calls for straight-forwardness and I’m working knowing the difference. Patience … well… let’s just say I’m a serious work in progress! Thank you for these words to meditate on today! Much needed and appreciated!
Hi Michelle, although I wouldn’t describe my personality as straight-forward and directly, I too am a serious work in progress 😉 May we both have the wisdom we need to discern when the proper response is needed.
Great words to live by! I often forgot to live by these words when my girls were little, even though these were traits I was trying to instill in them. We’d rush, I’d holler…. Ugh.
I learned we can be gentle with our children and still be firm.
Thanks for a great mental and spiritual nudge!
Hi Kim, happy to share the little nudge that I first received myself. At times it’s hard for me to find the right balance of gentleness and firmness.
Beautiful post and so true! Yes, we all are a work in progress-always time for kindness and forgiveness or there should be!
Happy Friday Wanda
I love this post
😀
So very true Ella. Hope your weekend is a great one my friend.