I don’t know what it is exactly, but I’ll take it.
Like Mary Oliver, I’ll take grace too.
Every. Single. Time.
Perhaps it’s because unlike those other words, I believe grace is offered from Someone who loves me unconditionally. I believe Grace is offered from Someone who created me and therefore probably knows what graces I need even before I speak them aloud (though, I’m sure, spoken in prayer is preferred).
Whether I am in a good place or struggling, whether I am willing to accept it or not, I believe grace is always being showered upon me.
When it feels like no one else can see or understand, God never fails to notice the gravity of our lives. Often, I think, grace comes in the simple, unassuming form of God just standing near, holding a piece of the crosses we carry, imperceptibly lightening our loads.
It’s hard to explain grace except to affirm that I’ve experienced it in both big and small ways over my life.
I’ve seen grace offered in the unexpected call from a friend just when I needed it the most.
I’ve seen grace offered in the sudden feeling of peace in a stressful situation that has no other explanation.
I’ve seen grace offered in the gift of time when I didn’t know I needed it and didn’t think I wanted it.
I’ve seen grace just this morning as I sat on a quiet porch recovering from a terrifying nightmare and felt the unexpected touch of a puppy foot placed gently on my lap.
Grace is all around, and I’ll take it every time. It’s a sign that Someone loves me.
It’s a sign that Someone sees me.
It’s a sign that I am not alone.
And neither are you.
