Arla's Change of Heart

I've become convinced that people often sense our spirits when we haven't said a word. When our daughter Arla was small and needed to be disciplined, I scolded her until we were both upset. She went to her room and I went to my study wanting to calm my own spirit. I knelt down and prayed, "Jesus, give me the mind of Christ for Arla." Suddenly I was filled with love for her. I was amazed at the tender compassion that simply overflowed in my heart for this little girl.

Within moments, I heard Arla's voice calling, "Mommy, I love you."

Could it be she sensed my spirit? I began observing my family to see if they sensed how I felt without my telling them. Often I realized they sensed my inner feelings without my saying a word.

A woman usually sets the tone, the atmosphere in her home. Apparently God is concerned that she have a happy spirit, for the psalmist wrote, "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children" (Psalm 113:9).

Thank You, Lord, for giving us access to the mind of Christ who is always kind and loving.

"Your beauty...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 3:4).
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions" (Proverbs 31:26 NLT).

Memory Verse for January  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).