LIving Out Grace
4:00 AMHeather
This whole year, I’ve
been diving into my word for the year…GRACE.
You know how sometimes you hear a word over and over and suddenly it just
doesn’t make sense? I’ve been doing some
in-depth study, but still feel I can’t wrap my brain (and my heart) around
it.
But, do you want to know
something? I’ve been on the receiving
end of some pretty amazing grace lately.
In the company of those who live out grace. I’ve looked at the Bible dictionary
definitions, and I have every intention of pressing on to keep digging into
grace this year. But, I think the
biggest lessons and easiest definitions to comprehend—to be inspired by—are those
living definitions.
Grace is…
…clearing your calendar
to come visit. To express you need to
see us—and to make it happen.
Grace is…
…in the middle of a
venting session from your wife about life in general, reaching for my hand, and
gently asking what you can do to help.
Grace is…
…the hug of my child,
squeezing tightly, and saying, “I love you mommy!” Even though I often feel I fail more than
succeed in my mothering.
Grace is…
…the tight hug of a far
off aunt, delighted and laughing with joy to just be together again.
Grace is…
…sitting together, cell
phones put away, to catch up face-to-face—with no distractions allowed.
Grace is…
…reminding someone of
their worth and value, when life has beat them up.
Grace is…
…saying thank you, even
though it’s not necessary.
Grace is…
…the perfection of a
gorgeous newborn, so fresh from heaven.
Grace is…
…planning a dinner out
with your niece, to hear her heart and share your own.
Grace is…
…tiny arms, reaching up,
for a distant cousin she can’t remember ever meeting before.
Grace is…
…heart connections so
close that it feels like home anywhere you are together.
Grace is…
…engaging with someone
and listening with your heart—not your ears.
Grace is…
…embracing and welcoming
your mom home with a tight group hug, nearly knocking her over with love.
Grace is…
…happily taking on the
entire household for a week so that your wife can get her love tank filled.
Grace is…
…using your own
hard-earned money to buy your mom a birthday present.
Grace is…
…all around me, every
day, in those I love, in those I know. It’s
within me—and it’s not complete until it’s poured out on those I
encounter.
Today, choose grace. Live it out.
It’s one of the best and surest ways to be the hands and feet of Christ.
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