A friend and I were going to get together, but she ended up in bed with the flu.  She was “really, really sorry” that our plans couldn’t work out. But, “Be gentle to yourself,” I told her. All else can wait until you’re feeling much, much better.

When we have plans and they’re derailed by illness – our illness, our first inclination might be to feel guilty. Remorseful. Embarrassed that we are, once again, victim of our frail bodies. But when we’re especially hurting is actually the best time to exercise another kind of care, another approach to our condition.

Gentleness is powerful. It soothes, calms, and helps stress melt away. Gentleness is a way to respect the recuperation we need and, before we’re feeling better, it’s a great way to

How do we show gentleness? First, by not being embarrassed or guilty about the fact that we’re ill. Illness “just is.”

Second, we speak gently, move about gently, and arrange our day so that we lessen any significant burden of activity (work, social responsibilities, etc.). It’s all right. There will be a day very soon when we’re feeling better and stronger and up to tackling what we temporarily set aside.

Gentleness is a virtue also expressed in prayer. Instead of forceful supplication, sit back, focus on one element of your relationship with God, and let thoughts flow from the Spirit to your soul.

A fiery, spice meal when you’re ill probably doesn’t do as much good as the proverbial chicken soup. So, too, does gentleness belong at the times when we’re ailing.  Yes, life will “spice up” soon enough!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen