Grace...my word for 2021. It's a word where, if tangible, I would, like a warm, cozy blanket, wrap it around my shoulders for the days ahead. I love this word and yet, it's one that I cannot grasp, something which I am not always generous to give to others and that which I find seemingly impossible to give to myself.
The biblical definition would define grace as God's unmerited favor.
Webster's Dictionary would list "the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another, favor bestowed or privilege conferred."
Grace covers a lot of ground. It's beautiful, powerful, deep, lavish and much more.
At times, I wonder if I'm not more like the Israelite's in the Old Testament, trying to keep their 613 laws. But Jesus brought free flowing grace, so why oh why do I resist?!
As I said, grace covers a wide expanse of territory. Henri Nouwen writes, "I am gradually learning that the call to gratitude asks us to say, 'everything is grace.'" Really??? Everything???
I vividly remember my Spiritual Director introducing me to this re-framing of life by referring to circumstances, however complicated or painful, as "a grace of God." That somehow, God would use even "this" in a redemptive way.
All of this wholly challenges me and reminds me that I am barely at the fringe of understanding, embracing and living out of grace.
So what a beautiful word to grow into as this calendar year begins!
Why wouldn't my Grace-filled God desire to pour out this gift on the pages of my life?!
Onward then, by His grace, into grace.
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