Lord, You've been gentle ...

When I ran away from You, You gently drew me back ...

When, in my daily walk, I forgot about You, You walked at my side, gently protecting me from harm ...

When I turned my back on You in rebellion, You waited, continued to love, and gently softened my heart ...

You watched over me, preserved me from the enemy, rejoiced with me when I was joyful ...
comforted me when my heart was breaking ...
nudged me gently into the safety of Your arms when I strayed ...

I never deserved Your attention, Your care, Your love ... Your dying ...

We have not been gentle with You, dear Lord ...we haven't even been grateful for Your constant care, Your unconditional, perfect love, Your desire to have each one of us spend eternity with You ...

And still, You go on loving, gently, completely ... and with the Psalmist, I ask:

When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place—
What is man that you are mindful of him,
and a son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:4,5