Grace

89. Grace

It has taken a long time but these are some of my thoughts about “grace.” In some ways I think we are too human to really understand grace; and we are too judgmental to “do” grace. When we are angry with someone, we find it hard to let it go; and consequently when we make major mistakes or minor ones it’s hard to believe that God will let it go.

I believe that grace is God’s presence with me that tells me I can begin again and again and again. I certainly have done that. I have made mistakes and as I talk with God, it is as if God says, “You know, I agree with you Ann, that it’s hard to believe you made that mistake again. But you did—and just like last time you can wipe your slate clean and start again. Because that’s what grace is.” Ultimately when I begin to get it, grace is a way to live. And I take a breath, say “Thank you,” and move on. Ultimately it’s about being restored to wholeness.

In 1996 I wrote a song titled “God’s Grace” and these are the verses:

—

There is a mystery in God’s grace that I cannot grasp,

There is a blessing in God’s grace that I cannot quite believe,

There is a lovingness in God’s grace that I cherish and hold fast

And in the midst of God’s grace I can be whole.

—

There is a wonder in God’s grace that I love to tell,

There is a nonsense in God’s grace that I barely can explain,

There is a simpleness in God’s grace that I cherish and hold fast

And in the midst of God’s grace I can be whole.

—

There is forgiveness in God’s grace that I daily doubt,

There is a presence in God’s grace that I know is with us here,

There is an endlessness in God’s grace that I cherish and hold fast

And in the midst of God’s grace I can be whole.

—

© Copyright 1996 Ann Freeman Price