Grace

Grace is the love and mercy we're supposed to show others as God has shown it to us, unearned.  

We didn't earn a place in heaven. We were given it, and all we have to do is show our fellow man the love and forgiveness we would show a loved one. 

Tall order these days. 

How do you love a total stranger when you rarely even like yourself? 

Easy.

You remember they're human. 

They are just like you.

Flawed, scarred, hurting, angry, depressed,  scared, longing, lonely,  desperate.  

Capable of so much love, joy, compassion, empathy,  rejoicing, beauty. 

You love them, you forgive them, you help them; simply because they exist and by their very existence are proof that God loves them too. 

We're so arrogant. Thinking we need a reason or justification to help others, to love others. 

All we need to know is that God loves us all, unconditionally and endlessly.  We all share that bond, we are all family. 

When I think of a thing I automatically turn to gardening. I guess because it's where I'm comfortable.  

Raising children is very much like gardening for beginners.  We go into it expecting it to be easy, fun, joyful. Can't wait to watch these gardens grow and fill with life. 

Problems start right off though because we're not sure what to plant, where or when to plant it. We get our seeds mixed up, end up planting weeds with the flowers. 

And children,  bless their hearts,  don't know a weed from a flower. Weeds have blooms, leaves, stems, thorns....just like the flowers do. 

We forget to tell them that anger is a weed; it will get out of control unless you grow it surrounded by common sense, self-discipline, and compassion.  

We ignore when depression blooms because we feel like failed gardeners;   instead of sowing the seeds of self love and confidence.  

In our defense,  we don't know because we weren't taught. It's something we're just expected to know. Others forget in their battles with life that none of us have the handbook. We rely on the input and guidance of others.  

We don't help young parents to know what to sow into their children. 

We just hope they get it right and then judge them when they get some things wrong. 

Judgement. 

Another grace blocker. 

We know so much, we assume even more, and we let our hurts reflect on how we see others. 

Instead of rose colored glasses we see people through glasses tinted with preconceived notions,  hurt feelings,  assumptions. 

We rarely give the benefit of the doubt,  not how society tells us to be. 

"You can't trust people,  you'll get hurt"

"You can't just help anyone,  they'll use you"

"They're not as good as you, or smart as you, or like you...don't waste your time ".

Is it any wonder we're such a mess? That grace is lost on most of us?

You trust someone until they give you a reason not to because trust can't be earned if it's never given. 

You help others because it's right and good.  Simply because you can. You don't have to let yourself be used but that doesn't mean you can't give what you have to give; be that time, money, love, kindness, a compliment,  a gesture. There are so many ways to help people. 

To someone having a bad day that smile, open door,  compliment....can make a difference.  

We don't love our fellow man because they're like us. We love them because they are us. There is no difference.  We each have a gift to give this world and it's up to all of us to help each other discover that gift, to nurture it. 

What if I get hurt? What if I get let down?

What if you do? 

Have you hurt someone,  let them down, made a mistake? 

Are you worth any less?

No, you're worth more because you learned from it. 

As is everyone else.  

And that's grace. 

Love simply for the sake of love. 

No strings, no conditions. 

Just given. 

So that's my lecture for the day, the burden on my heart and mind this morning.  

God bless you and I wish you a beautiful weekend filled with joy and laughter.  💚