Today I am thankful for God’s grace. For the unmerited, undeserving, uninhibited grace He lavishes upon me.
I’m not going to sugar coat it …. this year there were moments where I was completely frustrated with the Lord. There were days – sometimes weeks – where we weren’t on “speaking terms”. There were days where my words & my heart didn’t match. There were days where I felt like a complete hypocrite when I told the Haitian women to “keep the faith” during trials …..while inside my faith had crumbled.
But you see grace isn’t based off deeds. My bad deeds or my good deeds – – my good thoughts or my bad thoughts. I can’t earn it and I can’t lose it.
When I’m right in the center of His will He doesn’t double up my portion. When I stomp around like a little kid – He doesn’t take it away. That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to those behaviors – but Christ doesn’t give up on me because of them.
I’m so thankful that Christ takes me as I am – but He doesn’t leave me there. I’m so thankful that when I run away and slam the door behind me – He patiently waits on the other side for me to come back around. I am so thankful that He doesn’t give me what I deserve but instead gives me what I desperately need.
So what can I do? What can we do? Seems like if we truly appreciate the grace of God we should – “pay it forward”.
A car cuts you off – and you don’t ride his bumper….grace.
Waiting a moment to let someone cross the street…grace.
Tipping your waitress even though the service wasn’t great….grace.
Shortening the number of days your child is grounded….grace.
You want Mexican food but the kids want the Chinese Buffet….grace.
Your husband didn’t ask about your day but went on and on about his….grace.
You hate contemporary music but you stay knowing the church is engaging the youth….grace.
Someone says something they didn’t really mean and you quit bringing it up….grace.
Someone is late, unorganized, dramatic, a little annoying AND you still give them your undivided attention…grace.
Today I’m thankful for God’s unmerited favor AND I pray I can pass it on… in some small way.
SO Thankful…Day 5
I think all of us go through seasons of goodness and rebellion – in one way or another. There are seasons where we open our hearts and minds to what Jesus wants for us – and there are seasons where we lose our way. It could be as simple as not doing something you know God has called you to do.
Ever done something that you wished you could take back? Sure. We all do.
Ever tried to apologize but no matter what they just can’t seem to “let it go”?
I was having a conversation with a lady from church. She was telling me that she and her mother haven’t talked in over 15 years. That there was an incident back then where the daughter made an unwise choice and her mom never forgave her.
This lady has tried numerous times to make amends with her mom – but all her efforts have fallen on deaf ears. Her mom simply can’t let it go. The lady had tears in her eyes and hurt in her heart. I know so many families who are completely torn apart because they can’t get past – the past….
You know what’s amazing? Our God never tires of forgiving us! He takes great pride in “letting it go” – ALL OF IT! He not only forgives but He extends grace and mercy to people who simply don’t deserve it. He can’t wait for it! It’s one of His favorite things to do!
I serve a God who never tires of me! Who never stops looking for me! Who’s greatest desire is to have a relationship with me!
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR UNRELENTING GRACE & MERCY!
