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The grace of God means something like: Here is your
life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have
been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things
will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's
for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any
other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take
it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too. Frederick Buechner
As you read the above quote, what is your response to
what Buechner is saying? Do you find
your soul nodding, objecting, or confused?
Buechner juxtaposes the contradiction of faith ~ terrible
things happen, and we are not alone.
But, our minds interject/interrupt/object that when terrible things
happen, that is the exact moment we feel alone!
How can this be? What questions
do you have? What experiences do you
bring as evidence that might support what Buechner is saying and what stirs
within you that challenges this quote?
Read the quote a second time, thinking about the
beautiful and terrible things that have happened in the first two months of
this year. Beautiful moments with family
and friends, or celebrations, or a warm coffee on a cold day. Terrible things in the world around us, from
violence to famine to homelessness to hurt and harm to personal moments that
have left scars on your soul. Make a
list of what has been beautiful and broken so far this year.
Third, read the quote, then just let it sit like a pot
of soup simmering on the stove of your soul.
Maybe it is just one word or a thought that pulls up a chair at the
table of your life for a few moments.
Fourth, read the quote again and let your soul receive
God’s grace (that isn’t earned or deserved but given from God every second). What would grace feel like, taste like, be
like if grace were being poured into and from you every moment today?
May the meditations of your mind and stirrings of your
heart this day ground and guide you as you move your way through the wayless
way. Amen.
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