Recently while running errands, I heard a snippet of a sermon on the radio.  The pastor was relaying a message about GENTLENESS, and I tuned in just in time to hear him say "Gentleness is sweet reasonableness."  For whatever reason, this particular phrase stuck with me and caused me pause throughout the rest of my day, so much so, that I am now writing about it!

​While the "sweet" portion of this statement comes more naturally to my personality, the reason component is more difficult for me to model.  You see, as a new mom, reasonableness can be a tall order.  Reasonableness is difficult to find in the middle of the night, or late at night...or early in the morning.  Reasonableness contradicts googling all the many "what ifs" that sometimes come up throughout the day.  Reasonableness eats the nevers, and alwayses  right out of my complaints.  And the fact that one cannot reason with a baby is not lost on me.  "You should take a nap, so you're not overtired later," doesn't really mean much to a 1 year old (unfortunately.) 

​However, I want to have a reasonable spirit.  I want my child, my husband, my family and my friends to reflect on conversations knowing that I was bringing my reasonableness to the table.  When I lack in reasonableness, that sweet part just doesn't cut it.  It wears out--too thin, too sugary.  Furthermore, gentleness does not mean easily flattened.  Thanks to reason, Gentleness knows itself enough to know when its time to stand up, make a move, or state the facts. It knows when google needs to be set aside, the past let go of, and when worry is overstepping. 

​I am hoping that this sign in my house can be a reminder, and that the next time I am challenged, instead of reacting without reasonableness, I can respond with gentleness.  Click the file below to print out your own!  Hopefully it will be the perfect fit for your fridge, frame, or anywhere in which your find your reasonableness infringed.  Enjoy!

I am so thrilled to have my new website up and running.  As a "thanks for stopping in" gift, click the file button below for a free print!  I love to keep words that uplift nearby. Whether you need encouragement at your home office, work place, or dresser mirror, tack this up and be inspired.  

This PDF should print easily from your home printer, and is sized 4x6, perfectly fit for an average size frame, if you'd like to display it that way.  We hope you enjoy and thanks again for shopping E.Louise Designs.