The people around you notice the change and other odd things begin to happen. You attract new friends. Your children begin to share their innermost thoughts and feeling with you. They bless you with their behavior. They honor you with their lips. Strangers call you for advice and counsel. People are drawn to you rather than repulsed by you. Your spouse opens up to you and becomes the friend you've always wanted and needed. Ministry opportunities begin to crop up in the most amazing places. These are all good signs that gentleness is invading your heart and mind and taking over your thoughts and passions. You now begin to see God's hand in all those past trials.

An Uncommon virtue?

In our high-speed, force-fed and in-your-face world, it will always be the still, calm and comforting voice which has the power to gain an audience and make a difference. Gentleness is one of those high visibility traits that the Lord uses to set off His children from the others. It is the "salt and light" which has the power to draw others to life-changing truth. I guess that is why those who exhibit such qualities are so very precious, so extra-ordinary, so much like gold or diamonds…so much like Jesus. Our homes and churches and businesses yearn for it--need it. Learning and living become a joyful experience when gentleness is the rule of the day. Once you taste it, you'll never want your old life back again--and neither will anyone else.

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Timothy Palla is the pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in southern Ohio. He and his lovely wife, Jennifer, have five children--Drew, Dane, Aidan, Ethan, and Meghan--and have been involved in homeschooling since 1993. You may contact him at tpalla@rocketmail.com. See also The Art of Gentling.  Visit pastor Tim's homeschool blog at http://forums.crosswalk.com/m_1855557/mpage_1/tm.htm#1