GENESIS 33:14. “Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.”
LEAD ON SOFTLY. Can this be the same man who left here years ago? Maturity has its’ blessings – and takes its’ toll – An obvious limp makes moves deliberate – Awareness of the limitations of others – Words now sweet with compassion – Cautious optimism – Respect – He is learning to “lead on softly.”
His servants, his extended family, his children, his wife – Watching intently, listening for inconsistencies; falsehood – Consideration made obvious by providing shelter – Cattle find their own stalls; a new home for the family – Servants, children, wife finally have a bed – Conscious of his leadership responsibilities- Consideration – He has learned to “lead on softly.”
I have learned – and am learning still, as the years pass – Others watch and listen; they learn what is rightly modeled – My halting steps and scars – deformities and shortcomings – Testify, teach, give assurance – I know what I am talking about – I do not have to shout, make demands, insist – My Lord has led me this way – now I lead others – Carefully – I am learning to “lead on softly.”
“Father, I am thinking of the experiences Thou hast enabled me to go through, and I am grateful that through them, I learn. But please keep me from the arrogance of being demanding. Keep me from insisting that others agree with me. Help this frail, mortal man to recognize my shortcomings and limitations. May my look be tender, my words spoken with grace, my compassion genuine, my touch sympathetic – always. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”