It says in the bible that we're to be meek. Meekness isn't the same as being weak. It's a softness of temper, mildness, gentleness, humility & submission to divine will. It isn't easy to do that all the time. Especially in today's world. As people's hearts harden, they behave more angry towards those around them. I find it hard to be meek when a person is provoking me to the point I want to strangle them. *hehe* I work with a lady who is very confrontational & irrational. She's very difficult to work with. I never know when I will do something to set her off. Then when I do, it's very hard to just ignore it & continue being nice & being gentle toward her. Each time I want to say something hurtful, I have to stop myself & remind myself to be meek. I have to re-train myself on how to behave as a child of God. I'm so accustomed to reacting that it's very hard to discipline myself before I lash out. But, I'm learning to do it. Slowly. If you're used to being a temperamental monster, it's hard to be all gentle & submissive at all times. Even when it's for God. And I don't know why it gets to me so much. Nothing she ever does to me could ever be as bad as the punishment God could belt me with if I don't behave. By that I mean...he could unleash his wrath & send me into eternal darkness. Makes some stupid comment of hers seem like a pretty lame reason to go off into a rage. She's just an evil old woman who is miserable most of the time. It's sad really. Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Nifty! *grin* And...verse 7 states, Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. So, each time we are merciful & meek...we are blessed! Do this enough & we'll be blessed heaps! I can see us entering the gates with luggage and when someone in the "other" line says...what's all that? We could tell them...Oh this is all my blessings from my time on earth. *giggle* We know it won't be that way but, sometimes thinking like this helps to keep me in check with my own self. All these things I share on this website with you are all the things I experience & learn as I grow in Christ. I long to share these things with you so you can grow "up" with me. *soft smile* May your day be filled with the blessings of Christ for your imaginary luggage...