Grace

This is scary.  So many times, this word comes to mind, but I’m never quite sure how to put something down on paper.  Today, the word grace whispered to me, but I, again, chose to file the word for another time.  Then, I went to do the scripture readings for the day.  What was today’s verse you ask?   “For by grace you have been saved…”  So, I think it may be time to tackle that mysterious word.  It’s a simple question, “What exactly is grace?”, but, for me, not easy to grasp.   Do I earn it, like doing well on a written test in school?  Is there a score board in heaven that reveals how much grace we’ve earned, with a trophy going to the best?  For a moment, I envision the countless people on this earth, always doing good for others.  I imagine God is so pleased and they must be so much closer to earning entry to Heaven because of their good works.  Therein lies the mystery.  Grace is not something we earn.  It’s the best gift we could ever receive.  Like me, do you still have a hard time grasping why we should deserve God’s grace?   One may think, “What good does it do to put others first and not take care of #1?”  Imagine, all our days would be filled with spoiling ourselves, not worrying about others and using our time to do exactly what we think will make us happy.  It doesn’t matter in God’s eyes – we will still be blessed with His Grace, defined as “undeserved favor.”  So why bother?  Well, let me share my feelings on that.  Even though I can’t earn God’s grace, what satisfaction would I get centering my life around me, myself and I?  I think the mystery is what you and I are filled with when we think of others before ourselves.  I would never give up that feeling of the Holy Spirit when I extend my hand to offer the Body and Blood of Christ.  I think of all our friends and extended family that reached out to us during my father-in-law’s recent passing.  Aren’t we happiest when we are doing God’s will and not ours.  You and I would miss all the joy that comes from living a life of grace, whether we earn it or not.  In the end, grace is still hard for me to grasp or even come close to explaining.  I just know I’m not worthy, but grateful for the mystery of God’s love and forgiveness, even when I fail.  May you feel God’s presence today and accept the mystery of His Grace.  One day we’ll all understand.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9