Last January I began a journey to walk purposefully in grace for an entire year. As 2011 draws to a close, I hardly know how to wrap up my thoughts on the matter. It isn’t because I don’t have any, because I do. My head and heart are swimming with more than I can possibly express. I’d love to take this gift of grace, put a big red bow on it and say, “Here is my big take away.” But, I’m afraid I can’t.
You see, at the end of nearly 12 months of trying to define it, I find it too overwhelming to speak. Just when I think I can say what it is…He pours out more. And my words suddenly seem small and vanilla. The truth is grace leads to more grace.
The one response I can give you is gratitude. Oh, and by the way, that is grace, too. Our pastor said recently, “In the Bible when the word Charis is used as coming from God – it is translated Grace. When it is used as coming from us – it is translated Gratitude.”
See, grace leads to more grace.
Maybe in the days ahead, my notes on grace will work themselves into a well written therefore. In the mean time, know this: If grace invites you on a journey, say yes. I’m so glad I did.
{Thank you for chasing grace with me in 2011.}
(linking up with Chatting at the Sky today for “Tuesdays Unwrapped”
and with Grit and Glory for the “One Word” Wrap Up.)
Oh yes, grace leads to more grace. His grace overwhelms me!
“grace leads to more grace”… oh, letting my heart soak that in today. thank you, sweet stacey!
Stacey, I’ve so enjoyed being with you in the last part of this year in your journey into and through grace. Yes, it overwhelms me, too!
I’m so glad you walked with me Lisa! Thank you for encouraging with every step!
It’s sad to say…but Grace was a missing part to my life for so long…I love being on this lifelong journey…finding the many faces of Grace…all the places it comes to surprise…
Blessing and Grace to you….
The surprises Grace brings are simply the best! Thank you for stopping by today. Merry Christmas!
Oh his grace is sooo overwhelming. There are no dictionary words to describe the feeling and peace of that word. What a beautiful post. Joining in from Tuesdays Unwrapped.
Thank you Alene. I pray you have a blessed Christmas! Don’t you just love Emily and her community? 🙂
simply beautiful… (love your pastor’s quote – dang, that’s powerful)
My pastor said this the Sunday before Thanksgiving – it was a sermon about gratitude. He also said, “In every situation we can be grateful.” The next day, he had a heart attack. True story. He is recovering by God’s grace! Love his heart and these words!
Thanks Alece for inspiring this link up that began my year in grace and ended it! Blessings!
“grace leads to more grace” – that’s a truth I’ve been finding out this year, too. It’s been so overwhelming and so beautiful all at the same time.
Hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Amy! I think grace is going t hang around my heart well into 2012!
Grace leads to more grace. Grace in Him. Gratitude in us. I’m so thankful you pointed that out. So beautiful. I joy in your journey through grace.
I knew that quote was for me when he said it! Love his perspective!
You have sweetly encouraged my journey Jamie! Thanks so much!
What an amazing journey 2011 must have been for you. I can’t wait to hear where the Lord leads you in 2012!