Dwindling Resources - Grace (Part Deux)

Dwindling Resources - Grace (Part Deux)

GIVING GRACE is only slightly less difficult for me than receiving it.

My impatience, expectation, judgment, and desire for excellence often go toe-to-toe for a three-second match in the boxing ring of my mind. Extending grace to my family is easy—I love them! And actually, extending grace to total strangers (in the elevator, sitting in traffic, etc.) is not so hard either. It is for “everyone else” in my life that my resource of grace runs out. Friends and employees don’t always receive their fair share of my grace.

But I’m learning from, interestingly enough, my sarcastic husband. Steve, one of the finest grace givers of all time, is my role model. He has shown me how to give someone a pass; he has encouraged me to occasionally let issues or challenges resolve themselves (without confrontation); and his generous spirit has taught me how to do for others what they can’t do for themselves. It has all become graciously seductive. The rush of goodwill racing through my veins was about as foreign as a hit of cocaine.

I’ve heard it reported that it takes twenty-one days to form a new habit. I wonder to myself if I can keep up what I’m learning in order to become a grace giver like Donna and Steve.

Because I have seen grace in the flesh, I know she is elegant. Her beauty comes from a place deep in the heart. Her gestures flow with ease. Her poise communicates confidence. And her humility of service is stunning.

A gracious woman gains respect,but ruthless men gain only wealth.Your kindness will reward you,but your cruelty will destroy you. (Proverbs 11:16-17)

Yes, this is an asset I will continue to work to store up as I watch the beauty of grace all around me.