“You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” I Peter 3:4 NLT
Famous is so gentle and quiet, I am afraid he would not be noticed at all were his appearance less than striking. It is his coloring, markings, profile, and grooming which cause complete strangers to approach us to inquire about his breed and comment on his good looks. Even as we were taking a morning walk in a different city two days ago, a man stopped his car, rolled down his window to tell me what a handsome dog I had.
And these brief encounters might be remembered through the day and then quickly forgotten, but what I expect lasts longer is the impression Famous makes when people desire to meet him. Famous rarely has any objection, and after a confirming nod from me he approaches the new face and almost instantly rolls over for a belly rub. His looks may have grabbed the attention, but his gentle, submissive behavior with a declared new “neighbor” makes a lasting impression.
Why is a “gentle and quiet spirit…so precious to God?” It is not because this makes us more attractive or appealing to our Creator who already loves us beyond measure. And there might be some merit for this attribute making us approachable to others. But I believe it is precious to God because someone who can keep a holy gentleness is someone who knows how to walk with God. It is someone who knows each moment is blessed when we acknowledge God’s presence. This is the person who can hear God because he is not drowning Him out with his own voice. And this is the person who can find deep courage and rest when others who are used to the sounds of their own voices are wailing and blaspheming.
Today God, teach me how to find my inner beauty and strength.
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