Gentle Pressue

When water freezes, it expands, increasing the pressure inside pipes (especially in unheated areas like basements or attics) until the pipe wall ruptures.

The literal meaning behind the phrase is that when water freezes, it expands, increasing the pressure inside pipes (especially in unheated areas like basements or attics) until the pipe wall ruptures.

Similar to this is the metaphorical meaning that too much stress, or pressure, can cause a person to break, or fail. But today we will talk about gentle pressure.

Last week while we waited for the children two arrive, we had the opportunity to witness one child apply 'gentle pressure' on another.

But first we must give you some backstory of the two. One of the girls has been attending GBOC for over two years now, (we'll call her Girl #1) while the other has only been attending for three months, (we will call her Girl #2).

Girl #1, is what I call "Spicy", meaning she's kind of has a no hold's bar way of speaking, what comes up comes out.

Girl #2, is younger, quieter and is still finding her way. (Or so we thought...)

Girl #1 is full of chatter, and is chattering away. Girl #2 says, "Girl #1, why do you always roll your eyes when Girl #3 comes in the door?"

Mrs. T and I look at each other quietly asking, "Where did that come from?"

Not only are we taken aback but so is Girl #1.

She answers, "Because she's annoying!"

Here's where the gentle pressure comes in.

Girl #2 says, "Well, she's just like you! You can be annoying too!"

For once, Girl #1 does not quickly clap back. She, like Mrs. T and I, are speechless.

This act of gentle pressure gives Girl #1 time for reflection. Here's why:

1) Girl #1, is not used to another kid in the program to confront her.

2) For someone new to the program to give her some honest feedback totally takes her off guard.

3) Girl #2's confrontation with meekness takes her totally off guard. It's almost like she chose the perfect time to do so.

This gentle pressure coming from a peer lets her know that her behavior is not only seen by the adults but her peers notice it too.

And sometimes, the most powerful lessons don’t come from teachers or leaders.

Sometimes they come from a quiet voice that simply tells the truth.

Gentle pressure doesn’t break us like frozen pipes.

Instead, when it’s given with honesty and humility, it can help us grow.

Picture credit: Sergej Karpo2@Unsplash.com

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Gentle Pressue

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