The case for gentleness

A friend sent a photo of snowfall outside her window and said the gentle continuous snowfall made her think of me.

It reminded me of a pastor I served under telling me that he hopes his daughter grows up to have a gentle spirit like mine.

I wouldn't describe myself as gentle, but it got me thinking about gentleness.

What is gentleness and why do we not pursue it the way we do confidence, fulfillment, happiness, success? You don't hear anyone say their goal is to be more gentle.

Gentleness is one of those quiet things—like patience, humility and empathy. We don’t understand how powerful it is until it’s the only thing that facilitates restoration.

Gentleness is necessary. Repairing ruptures in relationships requires gentleness. Navigating chronic pain and health challenges requires gentleness. Processing heavy emotions requires gentleness. Sitting with loss, uncertainty, disappointment, rejection, hopelessness, loneliness all require gentleness.

Gentleness is necessary in being alive.