A Gentle and Quiet Spirit

Yesterday, my friend Carol and her husband Doug gave me bags of gifts for "A", the young woman who chose life rather than abortion a few months ago. She is determined to provide a better life for her children now than she ever had for herself. Typically, Carol left me a note with the gifts, thanking me for taking all this stuff off her hands! I was floored. 'A' will be floored. The outpouring of love and blessings from this committed Christian couple will make an incredible impact on 'A' and her children. It is the love of God made manifest through His servants' willing hearts,  pouring out in a waterfall, a deluge, a flood of mercy and grace and kindness. The offering was quiet, with no expectation of fanfare or reward, and in fact, she made it sound like I was doing her a favor letting her give these things to the mama in need. What a gentle, quiet, beautiful spirit before God.

I went kayaking for an hour after this gratifying morning. It being the 4th of July, the river was filled with a holiday crowd. Not only were there many kayakers dotting the river, but also several motorboats and most annoying, jet skiers. Since my soul was filled to overfull with the love of God due to the kindness of Doug and Carol, I didn't get as upset as I might have with those noisy, foul smelling, gas guzzling blights on the tranquil scene.

But I didn't like it. I love the solitude, the peace, the quiet of the river. It is why I prefer to go mid-week. Weekends and holidays are often crazy and loud. My parents had always instilled in me a love of activities that were free, and in harmony with nature -- hiking, sailing, canoeing, cross country skiing, bicycling. All that was needed to power those vessels was a good lunch and strong muscles. We rarely spent money when I was growing up on thrilling, noisy, expensive activities that so many people seem attracted to. And as we sat on the lakeshore together, we especially disliked the loud, mosquito-like drone of the jet-skis. Yes, I am prejudiced against jet-skis and motorboats. I won't try to hide it.

I thought of the contrast between the quiet paddling in my kayak and the roaring motorized boats as I watched a particularly crazy, loud jet-skier turning tight circles near me, raising waves that made me feel a little seasick. I could hear no sounds of the birds along the shoreline, and saw no wildlife poke its head through the underbrush. The crazy jet-skier would certainly not escape notice, and I am sure it was very exciting to be so wildly racing over the water. On the other hand, I glided silently by turtles who didn't even know I was there until I was right upon them. It was easy to think of each as a personality type before God -- one is quiet, not seeking notice, gently going about the Lord's work with a humble heart. The other is roaring, and obvious, and impossible to ignore, wildly proclaiming how important a presence she is.

I thought of Carol and Doug and their lovely offering, given with such quietude and gentle love. I think God was reminding me that my spirit must be before Him as a kayak, not a jet-ski.

**************************
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.1 Peter 3:3-4