Here is a Flood of Grace.
This statement greets me almost daily when I read my devotions as part of my morning routine. Every time – every single time – I read this first statement leading into a prayer, I feel a weight lifting off of me.
Grace is love and kindness freely given.
Think about this for a moment, please.
Grace is love and kindness freely given.
I believe grace comes not only from God, and what a blessing that is, but also as something we give one another. You exemplify grace, that loving kindness freely given, each time you compassionately care for another, extend a hand to help someone in need, and share a smile and greeting with a stranger.
And I believe it is essential to gift yourself grace.
More often than I would like, I catch myself spiraling into negative thinking. Oftentimes, this results from my not paying attention or taking the time to care for my physical and emotional well-being. I have a terrible habit of neglecting to eat or drink enough water when I get caught up in the demands I place on myself. Taking care of Sunni ensures I get outside and move my body. Still, beyond that, there are days when it doesn’t dawn on me that I haven’t eaten, drank enough water, or rested enough until I catch myself being self-critical and focused on and finding the negative in the day and circumstances.
Does any of that sound familiar to you? Do you relate?
Because I know this is a costly emotional and physical habit, one of my encouraging words is Grace. Grace, Courage, and Compassion are the silent alarm encouraging words on my cell phone set for 8:58 am. These encouraging words are a reminder of what I want to extend to others and what I want to gift myself with.
Grace is simple, beautiful, and powerful.
So, my friend, here is a flood of grace extended to you. May you gift yourself grace and surround yourself with this loving kindness throughout your day.
