Grace! What A Gift!
Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it, and it is grace itself which makes this void. ~Simone Weil
I brushed shoulders with a young woman today who struck me as truly beautiful. It was not so much that her physical appearance was stunning, but rather she had a beautiful glow on her face. Her eyes seemed to be full of love. I recognized it right away as she had her hands gently resting on her stomach. New life was forming and instinctively she protected and guarded it.
The joy that filled my heart when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child were moments I shall never be able to describe. I knew the grace of God was at work. I felt deep gratitude and awe for this miracle.
Having grown up without a mother in my life, I had fears about pregnancy and motherhood. As it is true so many times in our lives, that fear was a greater force in my life than what life proved to have in store for me.
I wondered: would I do all the right things that a pregnant woman must do to grow a healthy baby? Would I know the right moment to go to the hospital to have my baby? Would I know how to breastfeed my newly born? Would I have what it takes to not only bring forth a child, but to also have a true mother’s heart? I would ponder these questions many times during my pregnancy. I would pray for God’s grace to help with even the smallest concerns. When the time came, I gave birth to a healthy and very beautiful baby boy. He latched on right away and could not get enough of mama’s milk. I instinctively knew what needed to be done. The bonding I felt was one of a true mother’s heart. I wept with deep gratitude! It was grace revealed once again!
My second baby was a little girl. Bigger in size but still a successful birthing process. A little red head and totally in love with her mommy. I am deeply grateful for the love we share for each other! Both my children are thriving. Time goes so fast and God’s grace covers so many of our mistakes and frailties.
This beautiful young woman today, whose shoulders I barely brushed, reminded me that grace is sufficient in every area of our lives. Each of us has been given a measure of grace and none of us could stand if it were not so. Perhaps this will help us to be gentler and kinder with those with whom we come in contact. And perhaps, if we look deeply enough, we will recognize that we too can extend the gift of grace – to others and to many of our circumstances. Grace is transforming by its very nature. When you’ve been touched by grace, it is impossible to stay the same!
Viola Jaynes
