Some days are just harder than others. Choose grace. Some days the rain just does not seem like it will ever end. Choose grace. Some days you are disappointed. Choose grace. Some days seemingly rude people are around every corner. Choose grace. Some days your son wears socks to school with mud on them from THE DAY BEFORE! Choose grace. Some days you just cannot seem to win the battle with anything. Choose grace. The battle is not always yours. Some days you feel defeated. Choose grace. Some days you feel rejected. Choose grace. Some days you long for connection with like minded people but everyone is consumed with busyness. Choose grace. Some days the people you love will shut you out. Choose grace.
Not all of these are personal or at least recent experiences, but the bottom line is in every moment we have a choice. We can live each moment by it’s impact on our will, emotions, and energy, or we can choose grace and find joy in spite of our circumstances. So maybe you were running late today, but in the midst of running late you were able to take a phone call from a dear friend who needed your encouragement and prayers. Or maybe your perfect plans were wrecked by circumstances beyond your control, but the experience allowed you to share how you overcame with another friend at wits end. It is raining because we need the rain. People can seem rude based on our own perceptions or on their own brokenness, both instances need much grace. Your son did premeditate wearing dirty socks to upset you. He just put on socks. Days are hard, because we learn better when we learn it the hard way. Maybe you feel defeated because it is time to surrender. If you want connection with others, make yourself available. Be the kind of person others want to connect with. When you feel shut out, keep praying, keep pressing and keep loving them.
In these moments, when we choose grace, we choose love and joy. We choose that which is better.
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Polly Frances 