Grace upon Grace

Day (January) 25: "A Grace Borrowed, found, inherited"

I'm not exactly sure how to interpret today's thankfulness window. So I've decided to break it into three separate graces, if you will.

Here goes...

- A Grace Borrowed:
Hmmm, "borrowed" grace... have I borrowed someone else's grace? Do I posses grace that is only to be returned in time? I'm gonna go out on a limb here, this is not a time to judge or analyze my theology, just read and take it or leave it.
I am a member of the choir at church, I have been for the past 3 years or so. This last season I wasn't able to attend regularly since I was planning my wedding and preparing to move to Florida. Well before the final performance of the semester, my plans had drastically changed and, with no wedding or move to plan, I attended the choir's dress rehearsal, simply as an observer. I will never forget what my section leader said, in an effort to encourage me to attend, "Come and listen, take it all in! It is our turn to love on and minister to you, in your time of need. I am sure there will be a time in the near future when the tables are turned, and one of us will be in need of your love and words of encouragement." I didn't know I needed to hear those words until after they were spoken. I needed to know that it was ok for me to just come needy with nothing to give. So I'm going to call this my borrowed grace: The extra measure of love poured out to me, by all of my friends and family. I hope and pray it won't be long before I can return this "borrowed grace" to the next needy soul.

- A Grace Found:
This grace presents a different challenge, I have found so many precious graces over the past few months, it's difficult to choose just one! But here's one of my favorites: the sweet grace of God in opening my eyes once again to the power and relevance of His word. I have often found that when I'm just plugging along, all peachy keen, I take scripture for granted. When life is going according to my plan, I forget to rely on God and His word for my life and breath. But it's when my plans come crashing down, when people fail me, that I'm forced to drink the scriptures deep! I am so thankful that God hasn't given up on me! That He pours on the grace! He keeps letting me rediscover the beauty and comfort of His alive and powerful word. Lord, don't let me forget this time!

- A Grace Inherited:
My best interpretation of "inherited grace" is the grace bestowed upon me because of the faithful trust and work of my parents. I know that the Lord can use whatever means He pleases to lead us to Himself, but I would not be where I am today, spiritually, without my parent's faithful guidance. They have shown me how to diligently serve and follow Christ, and how to do so with a humble heart. Christ has lavished His grace upon them and they have in turn lavished it upon me, however difficult that may be. Grace upon grace, beautifully, inherited grace.