And so, it seems there is pressure, because I am not very good at this. It is easy to extend grace in the quiet morning with coffee and a soft blanket and nobody needing anything from me. It is hard to extend grace after a rushed morning of snapping and fixing and grumping around, after doing and saying those things you hate but they come out anyway, after stomping and moping and huffing through dinner.
It is hard to extend grace then, and I am really bad at it. Really bad. And so there is a sneaking, sweeping temptation to believe that grace is for the good ones, the quiet ones, the ones who hold it together. Grace is for the ones who have figured out things I haven’t, the ones who know how to hold the lid on tight, the ones who don’t even have a lid. Or maybe there is no grace at all. Because I can’t extend it, I am unable to receive it. And because I can’t receive it, I am unable to extend it. And ’round and ’round the circle I go, chasing peace and finding only chaos.
But if grace is only for those who deserve it, could we even call it grace? It would then be a reward, a prize, a ribbon of achievement. Grace if for the girl who isn’t very good at it, for the girl who grumbles and stumbles and stomps around. Grace is for her, today, right now. Do you know that girl? Do you know this kind of grace?
In that breath – grace is mercy. For girls like me who receive it when we don’t ever deserve it.
darcy @ m3b´s last [type] ..Controlling the faucet – Learning ISO Day 4
I know this kind of grace every day. And it’s the peace that passeth understanding that allows me to accept it, in spite of feeling that my constant need makes me undeserving.
Sharone´s last [type] ..Thomas the Tank Engine cupcakes in 42 easy steps
My toddler has a habit of waking up just as my alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m. I set it that early in hopes of getting a couple of hours to myself before he wakes. Some time to read my Bible and pray, enjoy a cup of coffee with God. The first few times, I sat on the couch and sulked about my time getting interrupted. God reminded me of the example my Grandmother always set. She woke up early every day. I was the kid then pitter pattering out with a cheery good morning. Her example of rising early in the morning to spend time with God showed me how she valued it. Instead of seeing him waking as in interruption, God told me to see it as an opportunity to set an example for my son. Extending grace is about seeing opportunity where it would be easiest to see interruption.
Sunny´s last [type] ..Love- Joy- and a Big Boy Bed- Wiggles’ room revealed
love this. thank you.
Kristin S´s last [type] ..Noah is 3!
That is a really excellent perspective. My toddler (almost 3) plays quietly by herself after she wakes up (and still hasn’t realized that she can open her door in the morning). Yet I set my alarm yesterday to start a new pattern for my days, and lo and behold my littlest baby woke up just a few minutes before the alarm went off — with a cold and a new tooth coming in. My beautiful schedule went right out the after that. Thank you for sharing!
Megan L´s last [type] ..Week 1 of Simplification
I have one of those children – a boy – who probably wakes up and lies waiting in bed for the clock to turn 7 (because he follows the “rules” not to get out of bed before that time), and then he literally RUNS (!) to his dresser and yanks his clothes out (all while he has his radio turned on and lights flicked on!), and then scampers downstairs as cheerful as ever. My child turns 6 this week and I also went through times of frustration over him “interrupting” MY quiet time and being frustrated over not wanting to get up earlier than I already do to get “it”…to own it…my time. How controlling of me! How possessive! And yet, in my quiet time and cheerful awakening, my child is learning something…oh the grace and mercy that I TOTALLY don’t deserve…!!!
In this case ~ it’s so refreshing and easy to receive grace when we don’t deserve it, yet hard to extend grace to others who so obviously don’t deserve it.
“Oh for grace, to trust You more”.
Thank you for this needed reminder.
Debi´s last [type] ..October Goodness
Maintaing my peace even when things around me are going crazy is my way of maintaining grace. It’s hard sometimes, and I do fail, but when I remember to tell myself to breathe, that none of the externals should affect the internal me, I manage to get by…
Modern Gypsy´s last [type] ..Zangoora- A Bollywood musical extravaganza
I feel like I’m chasing peace and finding chaos constantly. Wow. This spoke to me today.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Theres nothing like it!
Yes, I am that girl. Chancing Peace. But, glad that I can find it in God. Thank you Lord, because your Grace is also for girls/moms like me. Amen!!
Vanessa Maldonado´s last [type] ..Trip to the mall
Oh yes…SO know that girl! Wise words, my sweet friend!
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam´s last [type] ..A Sunday Siesta…Snoozing Makes You Smarter
Not only am I bad at it, I SUCK. My house is far from the graceful, peaceful sanctuary I desperately desire it to be. And it’s hard to accept the Grace from God… because I know I’m not trying very hard (really) to change it at all. Because I don’t feel I deserve it… talk about a round and round and round we go.
Jen´s last [type] ..Ok- the vanity wins
So true, so true! And a good reminder for me to offer those who are rude or grumpy to me grace, grace, and more grace!!! {I am not good at that!} Blessings!
Terri´s last [type] ..Quick Update on Jacob
Absolutely. Grace is for the most broken. For the one who can’t possibly pull herself up by her bootstraps one more time. For the snappy, gossippy, yelly, prone to depression, envious girl. Yup that’s me. And I’ve got grace.
Love this raw post, Emily.
Michelle DeRusha @ Graceful´s last [type] ..Keep Doing
Yes, I happen to have her address.
Thanks for the reminder that grace is for even her. Mostly her.
stacey´s last [type] ..Chair Time
Snapping and grumping around? Huffing through dinner? Whatever are you talking about? I don’t know anyone like that.
Ok, so I do know that girl. And of course she’s me. And of course I loved this post, this reminder as to why it’s called grace.
Thank you, Emily.
Jo@Mylestones´s last [type] ..Wasting My Life- One List at a Time
Wow. I really needed to be reminded that grace is for the imperfect, not the perfect. What a relief!
Gretchen´s last [type] ..FB Personality Test
I do know this girl, and I know this kind of grace. But I so often try to make God let me earn it. To simply sit and receive – it is a daily choice that must be made.
It’s only been five days, but I’m so enjoying this series, Emily. Thank you.
Imperfect´s last [type] ..Tomorrow We Run
You kind of did a Tuesday’s unwrapped in this… you reminded us to unwrap and be grateful for Grace when we least deserve it … Thanks Emily!
Jenny´s last [type] ..Writing to Change the World
How well I know that girl, and how much I be distanced from her. This post really spoke to me today. Thank you Emily.
Sharon´s last [type] ..Decorating a Fall Mantel
This is your thing…you know that, right? Writing on grace…You write about His heart so well.
Amy´s last [type] ..Childs Play
and i breathe in your words and hold them to my heart… because i am she. the grumbling, stomping girl. and the grateful one… grateful that you can put it all into words i understand.
Dawn´s last [type] ..shine on me
I have been that girl all weekend while my other half has been sick in bed- my other half who is the worse kind of patient, which makes me the worse kind of patient!
Kelly´s last [type] ..Searching for Compassion
Yeah, yeah – I know. I’m down here at #23 or something like that. But just in case – just in case you read it, just know that today you were a vessel. Thank you God. k
Karin @ 6byHisDesign´s last [type] ..And the Big Box Goes to
Huffing and puffing… ahhhh that one hit home.
I think this series is working it’s magic on me. I’m actually praying more for strength . And good things are coming of it. How awesome is this!
Donna
Funky Junk Interiors´s last [type] ..3000 Followers Event – The Colour Challenge linkup! and a vote
I have often been that girl. . .
Then, in a moment, He speaks, I ask, and accept what He has offered all along.
Holly´s last [type] ..The Long Road
Thank you for describing me. I am the one who is need of grace. If I always had it together why would it be necessary?
Love the blurry pic too.
Dana
I knew I’d be glad I came, and I’m going away spilling over.
Oh, you are talking to me, aren’t you? *small smile*
Just for the record, you are awesome. Thanks for being human…
Kelly Langner Sauer´s last [type] ..the wrongest thing
I sure do know that girl! I am her quite often, unfortunately, especially during early mornings… or days when I haven’t had enough sleep… or when my allergies or bothering me… or when my son is being TOO LOUD…
Well, you get the picture! It is hard, indeed, to believe that there is grace for a sometimes grumpy, cranky mom. But I LOVE the fact that you are making it your business to remind us that there is.
Thank you!
Jeanine
Jeanine @ Home for Your Soul´s last [type] ..Intro to Space Clearing
That would be me.
Catching up with you, love the grace series!
imoomie´s last [type] ..Get Ready…
thank you emily. i’m doing a james mcdonald study right now on when life gets hard. its about trials and are they the result of discipline or sin (consequences of). I feel like I need to work self-control (my mouth) and being kind (even when i don’t feel like it). And some days I find it very hard. Thank you for making me feel like i’m not alone in the need for His grace.
Thank you for today’s post. That is exactly how I feel about GRACE. I need it every second of everyday, yet I don’t feel deserving in the least. That was beautifuly put.
Bev
Thank you sweet Emily, for speaking these words today. It’s good to be reminded of the gift of grace on a daily basis, because I need it so badly.
Love you!
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer´s last [type] ..Day 5 Actual Invite- How Do You Do It
Emily, This post is timely for me as I haven’t bee listening as I know I should. I cut my children off. I’ve been selfish and ungrateful and feel very undeserving of “grace” today. Thank you for your words. I needed to hear them today.
Stephani´s last [type] ..Do You Hear Voices
I love this. I need this. Was just emailing with a friend today who is a mommy, going through a sad divorce, & trying to work full time & finish up school. She was talking bad about herself & I thought of you and your grace talks. I reminded her to give herself grace- not excuses, but just to be kind to herself. I’m linking her up to you tomorrow. Thank you for your thoughts…
I am that girl and there is much stomping and huffing on any given day. At the end of this long day, filled with moments of grace but more moments without, I needed to read this. Thank you.
Scooper´s last [type] ..Dear History Department
What a beautiful post. I have been struggling with the same things and find your post so encouraging.
Laura´s last [type] ..When I Can Think of Nothing Else to Say
This post made my heart
Melanie H.´s last [type] ..Our Summer in Pictures-Third Installment
Thank God He came for the sick and not the healthy. Thank God.
Thank You for this one!….said by “that girl”…with tears in her eyes!
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..Goodbye
What a timely encouragement. Beautifully written.
Thank you so much for this post. I cried reading it because I am definitely that girl. I’m not very good at it, so, so often. And yet I believe in it with my whole heart. It feels so contradictory and, like most things, feels good to know I’m not the only one.