Tangible Movements of Grace

There are moments when I simply don’t know how I’m going to get through it- the stacks of dirty dishes, the floor that seems to be perpetually covered with crumbs, the endless needs of 3 small children. Sometimes, when I’m faced with these moments of overwhelm, I remember to pray; sometimes it’s a memorized prayer, repeating an encouraging quote or Scripture verse over and over to myself, and most times it’s a spontaneous “Lord, help me!”

There are moments when I am overcome with gratitude- when I hear all 3 children singing happily together from the next room, when I held my niece for the first time, when a child I thought might be injured turns out to be alright. In the face of these moments I am left speechless, in awe of my unworthiness to receive such gifts and in still greater awe of a Love that, nevertheless, lavishes blessings on me.

In all of these moments, the good, the bad, the ugly, there are tangible movements of Grace.

It is Grace that nudges me out of my selfishness to live my vocation as a wife and a mother well.

It is Grace that reminds me that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”

It is Grace that whispers, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercies endure for ever!” when I am trapped by my fears, my disbelief, and feelings of unworthiness.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us…In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God…And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:18, 26-28