ALL is grace

Sometimes I hear people say things like "If God is so loving, why are there bad things in the world?" or "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We were discussing this in small group the other night, how skewed our human, Americanized perspectives can be. We have a sense of "everything should be fair", in the way that we equate fairness. Rather than starting from a perspective of God is holy, and any amount of good given is grace. God gives specific grace in salvation, saving us from our sinful state and giving us new life, but He also demonstrates daily His graces. Restraining grace-none of us are innately good, in fact, we're just the opposite. The only reason we aren't as awful as we are capable of is due to His restraining grace. Without that, we are all just as capable of horrific acts as any terrorist or tyrant.

This concept of daily graces-ALL is grace-is much easier said than done. Especially when it deals with personal things, small things in our everyday that bring annoyances or frustration or the question of "Why?" Friday was one of those days for me. My doctor's visit didn't go as planned, and I now have to go back for a 4 hour test; I feel like the nurses weren't listening to what I was trying to tell them about my body, just what the numbers and books say. My waitress was rude at lunch, I had a horrible headache, and felt as though my trying to be accommodating for a reporter was met with the cold shoulder. Thankfulness-and grace-were not at the top of my list that day. I struggled. A lot. But still, there were graces abounding even then, and throughout the weekend...

51. tests to determine if there truly is cause for concern; doctor's ability to help take care of this sweet boy

52. God-given wisdom to have learned (and continue learning) about nutrition, and what truly is helpful and harmful for my body

53. girls' weekends-lots of nothing filled to the brim with lots of joy and laughter

54. summer nights, slightly sticky

55. the anticipation of autumn

56. the ability to give grace to others; expecting nothing in return and realizing that is the gift of grace-giving it away.

57. a group of friends to share life with-stresses, worries, joys and silliness

58. a cool home in the midst of heat and humidity

59. bird-watching out my window

60. quiet mornings-pondering, growing

~Alisha