A Portrait of Grace

Since our life was completely turned around, since Rachel's diagnosis and treatment, we have received so much grace, so many kind words and a few extra-ordinary acts of kindness. We really have not asked for anything, other than thoughts and prayers, but a few people have really gone out of their way to show kindness to us in tangible form: gift cards, flowers, homemade goodies.

Many of those friend have been fellow believers. And by believers, I mean, people who believe, as we do, that Jesus is the Son of God and that it is through Him alone that salvation is found. Some of you believe with us; some of you don't. Either way, we are honored that you are here, following this journey with us. Well, as believers in Jesus, we are called to be like-Jesus, so in one sense, extra-kindness (or grace)is expected.

I think that what has been so amazing to me is that a lot of the grace that we have been given in this difficult road we are walking, is given by non-believers, people that are not necessarily called to the standard of grace-giving that believers in Jesus are held to...
I have thought about that often...that some of the kindest people I know are not believers...

And when I think back on my life, I think about some of the people that I have hurt the most and the amazing grace and forgiveness that they have shown to me...high school friends I was more interested in gossiping about than protecting their proivacy...Africa friends that I left in the lurch...people I have been condescending to or just plain unkind...

And then I think about the beautiful gift that I have been given: a second chance, forgiveness, grace...and I want to be a person full of grace. I want to be a person that looks at the good in people. When people say something stupid or off-handed about Rachel and her condition, I want to be grateful that they are curious about her and thankful that they are concerned, though they may not express it in the most tactful way. Instead of being a complainer, I want to be grateful for what I have.

I am a broken person; I am a believer in Jesus. The two are not mutually exlusive. I am trying to live authentically and honestly. I have been given so much grace in my life: I want it to pour out in my dealings with others.