Loved and Grace

Hey guys, I know its been a while.

I don't know if you know this but I don't like writing. I don't like journaling. I don't like dealing with my feelings. But writing this year, in this season of my life is helping. Its healing my soul as is the infinite grace I've been shown lately.

Google defines Grace as  the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

 Since joining the Episcopal Service Corps five weeks ago, I've had a lot of grace shown to me. In the little and big things.  By people in my church and by strangers and by friends. Its been so good. 

Sometimes we forget about grace and how amazing it is for our souls.  And sometimes we feel so saturated in it that our heart is about to burst.

Think about the definition of Grace above. 
1. Its free. You don't pay for grace. You can't earn it. Its free, its a gift.
2. Its unmerited. That means you don't deserve it. We are all sinners and fall short.
3. Favor of God. God gives us Grace. He favors us. That's a big deal - The same God who made the heavens and the Earth shows us favor. He shows approval, liking and kindness for us. That is a big deal...

I cannot count the ways God has flooded me with Grace lately - but maybe I should. 

I've been in the ESC for 5 weeks. I've had strangers help me on the side of the road.  I've had a church take me in as their own. I've had the unwavering support of my family as I start over yet again.  I've had old and new roommates who have gone above and beyond for me.  I've had old and new friends treat me with such good hearts that I don't know what else to do.

It good to get Grace from others. You know what else is good - maybe even better. Giving away Grace. One of my favorite authors - Bob Goff - he tweeted "Give away grace like you're made of it; we're rehearsing to spend eternity together."

That's the goal you guys.  I want to spend eternity in Heaven with you. What ever that looks like. I would rather spend eternity with people who give continual grace. I mean I know in heaven we will be made perfect and it will be a little different - but in theory won't it be more fun if we are already giving grace to one another - it will be like out little heaven on earth.

SO here's a secret. Sometimes I'm good at giving grace... but most of the time I'm not.  I have a tendency to be judgey and a little sharp tongued. I'm learning - or at least trying to. But if we all try to give grace all the time - I mean I know it will be a little exhausting - it will totally be worth it.