Good morning…
God inspired words for the pastor’s sermon. The wisdom traveled into my friend’s ear, through her fingers, onto a notecard that greets her daily on her bathroom mirror. She shared the G.R.A.C.E. acronym at our final Friday gathering, and emailed the Spirit-filled words to our interested group. Then I posted the acronym on our blog, We Grow G.R.A.C.E., a morning message appearing in the inbox of 839 people. In the middle of a restless night, as one subscriber was taking “a little trip away from G.R.A.C.E.” God quickly reminded her, “As long as I am living ‘in’ G.R.A.C.E., all is well.”
The acronym continued to expand, spurring in me a thought, “Why don’t I have the words hand-painted on a wedding gift for my sister’s son and his fiancé?” Pondering the project, the words morphed a bit. “Be renewed, not stuck.” “Be attentive, not hurried.” After picking up the freshly painted serving board from Wimberly at Project Studio at the back of Lisa’s Front Porch Market in the heart of Vinings, I texted a picture of this handmade gift to a handful of friends. I chuckled at a few replies: “Wonderful words to live by.” “The living will be the challenge.” “Isn’t ‘the living’ always the challenge?”
This morning, I will take the G.R.A.C.E. covered gift to Peachtree Road Methodist as the centerpiece of the Sunday School lesson I will guest teach. Together we will exploring Bible verses for these key words: Grateful. Renewed. Attentive. Curious. Encouraging. Verbally, collaboratively, we will unpack the joy of living daily “in” the G.R.A.C.E. of God.
Finally I will wrap the heartfelt gift, packing it in my suitcase, and travel to Ohio for next weekend’s wedding shower. As the newest member is welcomed into our extended family, I pray that this young, faithful couple will establish their marriage and their family upon these inspired words: “Be Grateful, not entitled. Be Renewed, not stuck. Be Attentive, not hurried. Be Curious, not self-centered. Be Encouraging, not critical.”
From Peachtree Presbyterian, through me at Northside Church, to Peachtree Road Methodist. From Vinings, Georgia to Cleveland, Ohio. From old to young, individuals to groups, marriages to families. God’s G.R.A.C.E. travels through ordinary people, touching, tenderizing, transforming hearts day after day.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT).
…Sue…
