November 23, 2003

• Grace.  I don’t think I’ve ever understood grace as well as I do now. 

  Exactly two months ago, I got a phone call from my sister that has thrown my life into an unreal drama.  My sister relayed to me that she has been married for this whole past year.  I can’t even begin to describe to you how hurt and disappointed I felt at that moment.  I was utterly speechless.

  Those following few days were the hardest few days.  As I contemplated the situation, I knew I had two choices:  1. anger, bitterness and resentment or 2.  forgiveness and grace.

  I chose grace, because God chose grace. 

  In the real and actual practice of grace in a very difficult circumstance, I came to learn what grace really is.  God is giving me a chance in these moments to give flesh to a very intangible, theological concept – in real and actual experience.  If I did not know God the way that I do, without all these years of building up, growing and testing God’s character, I would not have been ready for that moment (though “ready” wasn’t the immediate word) - I would not have been ready to choose grace.  In giving grace, I’ve come to a new understanding of God’s grace to me.  A love-gift I do not deserve.

  I found out on Thurs that I am going to be an aunt.  My sister just found out this week!  My emotions cannot catch up fast enough to all that is happening around me.  I am still trying to get accustomed to the fact that my sister is married.  I keep having to replay the facts, “My sister is married.  She has a husband.  My sister is pregnant.  She’s going to be a mom!”  Craziness.

  Every day, I learn a little more about grace.  I need His grace to know how to love my sister and her husband.  I need God’s grace to teach me how to mediate between my parents and my sister.  If you would, could you, please pray for God’s grace to linger all around my family?  I believe in the power of God and His Love.

  p.s. my dad doesn’t know about the baby yet.  don’t tell him!

  • 7:26 pm
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