In one his books, John Wooden–the legendary basketball couch who grew up in Martinsville–tells a story from his childhood.
Hi! I’m Allen Burris from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.
Wooden says,
We had a team of mules named Jack and Kate on our farm. Kate would often get stubborn and lie down on me when I was plowing. I couldn’t get her up no matter how roughly I treated her. Dad would see my predicament and walk across the field until he was close enough to say “Kate.” Then she’d get up and start working again. He never touched her in anger.
Wooden then adds:
It took me a long time to understand that even a stubborn mule responds to gentleness.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
I’m going to strive, intentionally, to be gentle today. Will you join me in gentleness? Let’s make a difference!