Pass the Grace, Please

I think the hardest part about spiritual growth or having to face a trial has got to be the fact that life doesn't stop during the process. Wounded, we walk through the routine of our days with smiles on our faces. We make conversations and jokes and perform menial tasks. We wash laundry and write thank you notes. We pay our bills and put petrol in our autos.

If we had a choice, however, we would do none of those things. Instead, we'd scream out to the heavens in our anger and pain. We'd run to our mothers for her embrace and comfort. We'd lock ourselves in our rooms so we could cry and cry and let healing begin. We would rage against those who have hurt us and get some justice. What we crave more than anything, really is just a little stinkin' privacy.

Those actions, however, don't put dinner on the table.

Those actions are more likely to make others into the walking wounded as well.

If there's one thing a trial teaches me, it's how to extend grace to others. The people I come across may have gaping wounds in their hearts that have absolutely nothing to do with me. They may snap in irritation over some delay. They may honk their horns with impatience the moment a light turns green, not even giving me opportunity to move my foot from brake to gas pedal. Or, reversely, they may be the ones sitting idle, not realizing the light has changed, completely miserable.

Because we are a selfish people, we cannot help but take the actions of others as a personal affront. Our instinct is to go on the defensive and lash back by reacting to the irritated, honking our horns in return, or shouting a loud, "GO already! Sheesh!" This, of course, compounds the misery of the hurting.

At Disney, there are buttons guests can wear to announce a celebration such as a birthday, anniversary, or engagement. Cast members watch for these buttons to call out special messages to the guests. Happy birthday! Congratulations! We're glad you're here! The guests can't help but smile and brighten with each greeting.

What if the walking wounded were allowed to wear buttons?

I'm hurting.

I just lost a loved one.

My world is crashing around me.

My marriage is suffering.

I'm struggling financially and overwhelmed.

I have a horrible illness.

What if others could really see their pain and call out special messages to them? Or what if, simply, we could see their button just long enough to extend a little compassion and a lot of grace?

Go ahead and honk, Lady. I see you're hurting and I don't mind.

Hope you feel better soon!

I'm praying for you.

The truth is, everyone has a button of some kind, but they're invisible. I know this because God's Word says the one thing we're guaranteed is trials.

"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

This week, I hope to become less aware of my own trials and more aware of those around me. I wonder how many opportunities God will give me to extend grace?



PS Mom, wish I could be with you today. I'm thinking of you and I love you.