Grace

            Many definitions of the word grace. A proper noun it can be used for a person’s name, but also a

            state of being ~ in calm collection of wits, thoughtful as to circumstance, acceptant of hurly burly

            without losing poise. Grace is not ease; it is hard work and concentration. It just looks easy to the

            onlooker.

Recently I shared with you our saying goodbye to a friend named Grace (blog dated May 17). Just a week ago we conducted a memorial service to her embedded in the early morning church service she attended regularly. Never before had I experienced a worship service containing an actual memorial service as well. But it was well conceived and properly placed. Grace’s family and closest friends joined the congregation to say goodbye; and those folks witnessed a very fond remembrance of the Grace we knew within the church’s walls.

The sermon that day was on grace – the religious concept of the term. Yet how well personified is that concept in the life and times of Grace Grote of Warrenville, Illinois! And that was the point the pastor made throughout the service. Good job. Apt. Touching.

Grace as a secular concept is not far removed from the sacred term. It is a word that still means calm under fire, solidity of belief in something outside of one self. Reliance on self or others in the face of chaos. Yes, grace is a good term to keep handy.

Handy as in reflection tool on our own inner posture, or turmoil or tendency toward same. A mirror perhaps to hold up from time to time in order to view our moods and tempers? How much grace do I have at any given moment? How excitable or upset do I get and in what circumstances?

For me it is behind the wheel of my car! Dumb people drive a lot of cars. They do stupid foolish things. They waste the time of other motorists and place them in peril as well. But how much is that my own bias? My own self centeredness? My own sense of importance? (Why else would I worry about someone wasting my time, going too slow, or indecisively making a turn?) Hmmm. Food for thought, eh?

Political season. Never ending. People cat calling others on their views. Political jockeys scamming the public for their votes. Logic twisted from stem to stern without making a point that supports the logic purported in the statement.

Let’s see. That’s two examples of daily living that threatens our calm and requires us to find grace, and to practice grace! How many others are there?

To a person with grace it does not matter. They are prepared to handle what may come along and remain serene. Perhaps they are expert practitioners of the age old prayer that continues to make such wonderful sense:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

  The courage to change the things I can,

  And the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen.”

With that I’ll shut up. Ponder upon these words, please. You’ll be glad you did.

September 5, 2012