late 12c., "God's favor or help," from O.Fr. grace "pardon, divine grace, mercy; favor, thanks; elegance, virtue" (12c.), from L. gratia "favor, esteem, regard; pleasing quality, good will, gratitude" (cf. It. grazia, Sp. gracia), from gratus "pleasing, agreeable," from PIE base *gwere- "to favor" (cf. Skt. grnati "sings, praises, announces," Lith. giriu "to praise, celebrate," Avestan gar- "to praise")
I woke on this first day of 2012 to get ready for church. Something I've been doing on a daily basis is to say a quick prayer just before getting up. Just a simple giving thanks for the day or asking for help. This morning I asked that God would show me something to take into this New Year.
Just before we left for church, Chris and Julene texted to tell us that they were coming to join us. It would be their first Sunday at our church since coming back from Indonesia, but I don't know if I even thought that far. We had not been seated long when they came and sat with us. . . and we stood to sing the first song.
I sang with Makenna in my arms . . . and suddenly, overwhelmed with emotion, realized what song we were singing. With tears in my eyes, I looked at my H and he surely understood. "Your Grace is Enough" . . . is surely my story and my song . . . it became mine after our kids, with a toddler and a newborn baby, left for Indonesia. Whenever I heard this song, I felt God assuring me of making all things well . . . and I can't even begin to tell you the times that I heard it at just the right moment . . . always at the right time. It's a song we have not sung in church for quite a while . . . why today? I knew it was for me.
In fact, there is also a verse along similar lines that I've claimed. I may have shared it here before, but I will again . . . and again . . . for it has been proven to be true.
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will
withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:11
This was my hug from God today, a reminder of the grace He gave me to be strong through the seven years that our kids lived across the ocean, on the other side of the world. A reminder of the fact that He always keeps His promise.
On this day, God knew what I needed . . . a reminder of the past, as I look ahead. While both of our grown and married girls moved home with their families in 2011, I've been wanting to change my profile . . . the part about having to travel to see grandchildren . . . but it's not to be. Come Spring, our youngest and dearly loved, along with his young family, will be making a career change and taking his turn at moving away for the first time. Oh, the bitter/sweet in this, our stage in life!
But today, when I took time to listen, I was able to take hold of God's assurance of His continued grace. And I will take it, one day at a time.
On this day, God knew what I needed . . . a reminder of the past, as I look ahead. While both of our grown and married girls moved home with their families in 2011, I've been wanting to change my profile . . . the part about having to travel to see grandchildren . . . but it's not to be. Come Spring, our youngest and dearly loved, along with his young family, will be making a career change and taking his turn at moving away for the first time. Oh, the bitter/sweet in this, our stage in life!
But today, when I took time to listen, I was able to take hold of God's assurance of His continued grace. And I will take it, one day at a time.
11 comments:
His grace will still always be enough this year my friend! Can hardly wait to walk and catch up on all the wonderful memories of your special Christmas!
Thanks for bringing that song to me today.....I have hung onto that song for a long time too.
The seasons in your family life continue to change....I see God's grace in you as you face and embrace them.
And since I remembered that this is your song, every time I hear it, you come to my mind. So even when you don't hear the song, it's playing somewhere and someone else is thinking of you and praying for you! :-)
That was a gift, for certain. Our children have to go where they're called - and it's for us to pray for the grace to accept it. Not always easy, but a reminder such as you received yesterday is a big help!
How special to hear 'your song' on January 1...with your family at your your side...and to be reminded again that His grace is enough. And His grace will continue to be enough...whatever the new year will hold for you (and for me).
OH such timing the Lord has. It is perfect every time.
I love the way you have assurance even when your circumstances are not of your choosing.
Being touched by God are the moments we cannot let go of. Music does it to me...
On Wed. this week my Suz was over and picked up her Opa's violin and I sat at the piano...and we started playing Pachelbel in D Canon. We have not played together for over 10 years.
Yes, that was a touch from God for me that day..in a very unique way, yet so alive and present.
I love your verse and how wonderful to enjoy the presence of those wonderful families even if its for a few short moments.
This song has moved me deeply. As Marg mentioned, music does it to me as well! His grace truly is enough as we meet challenges and separations from our loved ones - we must believe that! Thanks for the way you share!
Oh Anneliese, what a sweet hug from God. His grace will carry you through wherever the journey takes you.
Don't you just love it when God does something that special just for you...oh he cares about us more than we understand and his grace IS enough! What a wonderful experience!
Thanks for sharing how God's amazing grace keeps showing up just in time! One of ours lives way up north and we miss being a part of their daily lives - although Skype, chat and phone calls help. I was just reminded of how my parents must have felt when we all moved away from home, or further back, how my grandparents felt when some of their children with their families, crossed the ocean to the new land! God's grace was sufficient then as it is now! Thanks for your post!
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