Racing Towards Grace
It happens every Sunday but yesterday came with an added blessing. How so? Well, at our church, there is a place in the service when we pass the peace. We greet old friends and welcome new faces. But one little guy took it beyond when he spotted Grace. Yes, grace is not just a theological matter. This Grace is well-named, and the Director of the Parish Day School. And this little guy attends this school.
So he wiggled away from his mama's lap and raced towards Grace. As she bent down, he kissed her on the cheek. But when she turned the other cheek, he held her face and said, "No, lips." And quickly kissed Grace on the lips. Having passed the peace and then some, he ran back to his Mama, who said a few words to him. Then he jumped down, again, and raced back to Grace.
After Church, I commented to Grace on that sweet exchange She smiled, then told what happened when he came back the second time. He reached for Grace and said, "Mama said, 'No lips!' " So he kissed her on the other cheek.
No wonder Jesus said,"..Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.(Matthew 18:3,NIV)
There's a sermon in that church scenario. In this highly charged political season, we'd all do well to err on the side of grace. And when we go too far in the other direction, to listen to the voice of wisdom. Then, hurry back to admit where we were wrong, and then, set things right.
Grace is unearned, a gift. This was God's idea, not mine. So I tell myself, "Don't overthink. With faith and hope, race towards grace, like a little child."
But, remember, "No lips!"
Well, maybe sometimes.
6 Comments
Our Sunday sermon shared that "grace is only amazing when we get it and then give it." God is not fair and thankfully. Blessing, Dale
Great reminder about fairness. We like even trades, or better still, to get the better deal. Thanks for adding to the blog with your wisdom, my brother Dale.
Oh my heart! So sweet!! I love it <3
It was so sweet, dear Wendy. I love sitting among the families on Sundays and not where people behave. It's so messy and interesting and it's a rare Sunday when an unintended sermon doesn't surface from a little one. 'Out of the mouth of babes."
What a gift you have to see the big God truths in the little life nuggets that come your way!
I am glad the Spirit moves in you like that and you share with us all!
Keep keeping your eyes open and writing about what you are observing and the lessons you glean from it all. So many benefit from your teaching, God bless you warmly
Tina
Thank you, dear Tina, for a ton of encouragement. And may God bless you in ways you most need to be blessed.