It happened so quickly I hardly had time to think. The little antique cream pitcher and sugar bowl that I bought were broken while being carried from the car to the house. Without really thinking, I put my arm around my daughter and said, “That’s ok, I love you more than I do that cream pitcher and sugar bowl.”
Now, lest you think this is an everyday occurrence at our house, I was totally shocked by my behavior. Usually I get angry, scold about their carelessness, then some time later come back and repent, ask for forgiveness, and tell them they really do mean more to me than whatever got broken or damaged.
So what happened this time? Someway, somehow, I laid hold of the grace of God and responded the right way. That amazing grace has always been available to me, but for some reason I rarely lay hold of it and respond as properly as I did this time. Even though these are the feelings and facts that I want to be in my heart, therefore in my words, it so often happens that I blurt out terrible words, words that I regret before I even finish saying them. This is followed by the regret, the necessary apology, and the need to ask for forgiveness.
This special little cream pitcher and sugar bowl – cracked and broken though they be – have earned a special place in our home. I have them on a counter that I use often, one where I see them almost daily. I choose to be the one to wipe the dust off them and put them carefully in place. Each time I interact with them, I’m reminded that the Lord’s amazing grace is available to me every time I need it.
Lord, help me to lay hold of Your Grace, moment by moment, day by day.
How do you respond to situations like this? Do you have a special way to remind yourself to respond rather than react? Tell me about it by leaving a comment. We can always benefit by learning from each other.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
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© 2008 Phyllis Sather
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Phyllis,
What a beautiful reminder of a moment of grace. That pitcher set is probably worth more to you now for what it helps you remember than if it had remained intact.
Sort of relieved to hear I’m not the only one having to repent so much … Yet there is indeed grace for all of us to respond in light of eternity right here in the dailiness of our homes.
blessings,
Michelle