“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as true strength.” When I came across this quote on my Pinterest feed, I knew that I had found my #oneword365 for 2014! I have never done the #oneword365 so I was a little nervous to what my word might be and if I would even hear it. But the other day I kept hearing this voice whispering to me the word “gentle.” And then I came across the quote I just posted…I knew that God had been whispering that word to me. So my #oneword365 for 2014 is the word GENTLE!

I would say that most people who know me might describe me as gentle but the truth is that I am not gentle with myself. Ever since I can remember I have been pretty tough on myself. I don’t always see myself as the most beautiful. I need to remind myself to be gentle with myself. To be gentle when life isn’t turning out the way I want it to. Those of you who regularly read this blog know that I especially am not “gentle” with myself as I wait for my Mr. Right. I am so ready. Yet perhaps by being “gentle” with myself God will bring that lucky guy into my life.

Max Ehrmann once wrote, “Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life keep peace in your soul.” Yes, I need to be gentle with myself…to be gentle with who I am and who God has created me to be. And by being gentle, I believe God will bring more peace to my soul!

I also feel that I need to fall into being gentle. To be gentle with my words and my actions. There are times when I am not always gentle with those who I love. Sometimes when momma calls and I get a little impatient, I find myself snapping back and then I get mad at myself for snapping at her. I need to remind myself to be gentle with her. And to be gentle with myself because like a good Lutheran, I am both saint and sinner. I am not perfect and will make mistakes!

And perhaps as I fall into this word that God has whispered into my ear and my heart, I will find that strength as well. May your 2014 be full of gentleness as well.