Grace
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God . . ." (Eph 2:4-9 NIV)
I purchased another used car recently. With the price of gas soaring I was
in need of a smaller vehicle that could get me better mileage. I found just
such a car at a tiny lot just a few miles from my home. I named the car,
"Little Gracie" because I felt it was by the Grace of God that I had found
such a great car, in such good shape, for such a low price, and from such a
gracious dealer. I smile with delight now every time I ride in my "Little
Gracie." She handles like a dream, sips gas, and is a joy to drive. Most of
all, though, she reminds me that God’s grace surrounds us always in this
life. All we have to do is accept it into our hearts.
God’s grace has been with me all through my own life even when I didn’t
realize it. His grace has saved me from harm many times both as a child and
an adult. His grace has stayed by my side even during those times when I
only wanted to listen to my own ego. His grace has been with me through
pain, problems, grief, suffering, tragedies, and even despair. His grace has
even reached down and picked me up when I hit rock bottom a few times. God’s
grace has been all around me as I struggled with it, learned from it, and
grew in faith and love because of it.
God’s grace is with me now as I write and share this with you. Ralph Waldo
Emerson himself said that "All writing comes by the Grace of God, and all
doing and having." The truth is that God’s grace isn’t just for helping you
get through this life. It is for helping you to live it too. It is only with
God’s grace that you can live fully. It is only with God’s grace that you
can give totally. It is only with God’s grace that you can love
unconditionally.
May you always accept and welcome God’s love and grace into your life. May
you always fill your days, your heart, and your soul with it. May you always
find the greatest joy in life by sharing it with others as well.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella