Tuesday, February 9, 2010

GreatFull Guest Post: Tracie

Today's guest post is from my friend, Tracie. She too is a photographer and keeps a lovely blog full of her amazing photos and inspiring writing.

--------------

When Lindsey asked if I'd be willing to guest post while she's away, I jumped at the chance. I love the premise of this blog ... being grateful for the everyday of life and the things we're surrounded with everyday. Whether that be "deep" thoughts or something as fun as a new stationery find!

Lindsey originally asked we write a simple list of things we're grateful for. But if you know me, or read my blog, "simple list" doesn't compute with me very well. ;)

After I replied to her that I'd love to be a part of this week's guest posting ... I got to thinking about what I'm grateful for. What's the one thing that I could "list" that would make the most impact ... well, and has impacted me the most?



And that answer, pure and simple, is: Grace.

There are many definitions and meanings ... but the Grace I'm talking about is the unmerited favor of God. Unmerited :: not deserved. God gives us favor we do not deserve and for that I'll be forever great.full.

"You have been saved by grace through believing.
You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.
It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it."
Ephesians 2:8-9

That's the kind of grace I'm talking about. That's the kind of grace I believe in. You know the old gospel hymn? Amazing Grace ... how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

It wasn't until I truly understood. Truly mediated on what this magical word ... Grace ... really meant, that I was able to appreciate the full extent of the unmerited, undeserved favor, that I've been given.

And here's the thing ... let me tell you what you get for believing in that unmerited favor:

"And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right.
He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling.
He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever."
1 Peter 5:10

Whew ... I have suffered, I have fallen ... but His support did make me strong. His grace did keep me alive.

Okay and listen to this ... this is the second verse of that old gospel hymn ... T'was grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.

Powerful? Don't know 'bout you, but I've got me some chills right now!

Let me break this down for you a bit more. An everyday application that might hit closer to home.

There's a song I love that helps explain how we can give Grace to each other. The basic premise is ... there are some "bratty" kids the mother isn't seemingly able to control. But what we don't understand is that their father just passed away, or maybe even ran away. Let's give them some Grace.

Or there's an old man holding up traffic on the interstate. We yell, frustrated, that he shouldn't be driving. What we don't know is that he doesn't have anyone willing to drive him where he needs to go. His wife has passed and his kids don't have the time. Let's give him some Grace.

And oh, look at this ... I've got one last verse to cover that too ...

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Colossians 4:6

I am over-the-top grateful for the Grace I'm given everyday. Aren't you?

6 comments:

  1. lindsey! thank you again for having me here! hope you're having an awesome and well deserved vacation!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. a lovely post, as always Tracie...i have tried over the last few years to be mindful that we don't always know what is going on with others (and we all know everyone has SOMETHING going on right) and be kind rather than frustrated or mean, but it can sometimes be very hard. One more reason we know we have an AWESOME God...how does he forgive us and give us grace for all the wrongs we do?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks so much for the encouraging post! Indeed, the grace of God is sweet and intoxicating and sustaining. And thanks for the reminder to extend grace to others. I feel so loved and valuable when someone gives me grace, a second chance, a hug when I still haven't done the dishes. This post was a great way to start my day :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. lovely post tracie - thank you for sharing....

    ReplyDelete
  5. How do you always know exactly what I need to hear? I have a renewed sense of calm and a much better grasp on the true meaning of Grace thanks to your words. Thank you, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this post. Such good thoughts.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for dropping by!
I love reading comments and interacting with visitors so thank you for leaving me a note. I try to always respond but if I don't please know I'm grateful for your visit!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.