Pardon me for saying this, but I didn't feel very graceful yesterday. Wait, let me rephrase that: I didn't feel very Grace-filled yesterday. I know I should have. Yesterday in Sunday School, we began a series called Christmas with Grace. As of last month, I became one of the facilitators of our class. The other leader and I were very excited that we would be spending 5-6 Sunday preparing ourselves for Christ's gift of Himself to us.
The focus this week follows:
The message of Christmas is God giving us what we deserved the least, and what we needed most: grace. While here on earth, Jesus extended grace to those around him constantly. As Christians, we need to learn to do the same with those around us. Nothing shapes the human heart like grace.
John 1:14-18
But I did not feel very Grace-filled. My children have been driving me absolutely crazy these past few days. Bickering with each other, whining to us, the oldest saying, every ten minutes, "But Mom, YOU said you would/I could (fill in the blank)", the youngest crying, "Nooooooo...." when told to take a shower after football or turn off the television. I have not been feeling much Grace toward them at all. And I really feel sad about it. I know I do so much myself that I don't deserve HIS Grace at all - ever. Yet HE gives it to me freely, openly, and lovingly. Why hadn't I been able to get with HIS program this week?
I have been reading so many blogs and Facebook posts on "thankfulness" this week. I am thankful for so many things in my life - my children included! (I promise!!!) One thing that stands out right now in my mind is part of the the lesson (and I'm changing the words around a little) I learned yesterday: Nothing shapes the mother's heart like grace.
I prayed and thought about that message all day yesterday, and woke up this morning feeling a little more Grace-filled (yea!). I truly desire that Grace-filled heart. My children deserve my GRACE-filled heart. My husband deserves my GRACE-filled heart. And most of all, my Heavenly Father deserves my GRACE-filled heart.
I needed to hear those words this morning--my children hae been driving me crazy this weekend too and haven't been showing any grace at all!
ReplyDeleteBeverly,
ReplyDeleteRemember me, we met at Edisto sveral years ago and our boys played together the whole time we were there. We had just returned from our first trip to China with Clara Beth. It's so neat that you found my blog. I have thought about you every time we go back to Edisto. Do you still go? We do every summer. It was so good to hear from you and see how your boys have grown. Land has gotten so big since we last saw you. I would love for you to email me if you get a chance.
rcobb@nctv.com
Hope to hear from you soon!
Blessings,
Robin
I'm happy you are feeling more grace-filled. You seem very grace filled to the top! to me. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSC