Restraint. Discipline. Withholding. Structure. Within Strength. Judgement. Discernment
It would be easy to think that a day which contained Gevurah within Itself would be an extra-strength day. Not necessarily so. Here's where the flexibility and plasticity of the Hebrew language gets really fun. You may notice above that I didn't put the same words on each side of "within." This is also where we see just how very thin the line can be between Chesed and Gevurah.
If you're like me and tend towards the hard-on-yourself end of the spectrum, it would be very tempting to say today, "OK, I gotta double down on my Discipline!" Or "I'm going to really show that kid how Strong I am today!"
Instead, today I am going to try something different. I am going to attempt to Withhold Judgement. I would like to approach my Strength with Discipline. I hope that I can Structure Discernment in such a way that I can see the small pieces of the puzzle that make up the whole. I can play with the pieces and see, little by little, whether and how they fit together. Gentle. Patient.
Now, isn't that a loving approach? A fine line, I tell you.
So, go ahead and enjoy your Strength today. Just please use it Judiciously. Be clear in your Discernments, but Withhold Judgement. Reap the benefits of your Structured Discipline, but practice Restraint when the urge arises to use it as a rod against yourself. Today, may you be so blessed.