never been here before

I've always wished I was one of those "soft" people. Not weak, of course. But tender. With no rough edges. The kind of person whose presence makes you feel calm. The kind of soft that responds carefully and with compassion, rather than jumping to judgement and self-righteousness and a "my way is right" way of thinking. Without defense and thought of how it all affects me, but considers what else might be going on in the situation. A very soft person has come into my life recently. I'm in awe of her. She responds to everything in love. She is always concerned for me and how I am adjusting to a whole new life. She is ready to jump in and help whenever it's needed, and often anticipates needs I could never foresee. When a difficult situation arises, she has this way of making it all better without compromise for what is best. She is modeling to me the great fruit of the spirit: gentleness. I've far too often felt like a bull in a china shop. Stu...