There's a saying around our church, "I see and evidence of grace in you...", or "an evidence of grace in my life is...." At one time these sayings were unfamiliar to me but gradually I'm getting the hang of it. The saying itself isn't anything new, it's just a way to recognize God at work in your life or in the lives of those around you. Our church places a high value on encouraging others by pointing out areas of growth and recognizing that God is at work.
This morning I was a bit surprised to recognize an evidence of grace in my own life. The way it happened was rather odd. I slept in. My alarm usually goes off at 5:30 and I get up to turn it off and kind of make myself stay up. This gives me time to have a shower and at least 45 minutes of devotional time (at least that's what I shoot for) before I wake up the kids and get the day started. But today I got up and quickly jumped back into my warm flannel sheets and pulled the comforter up around my chin. It's amazing how sharp your mind can actually be at that time of the morning because in those few seconds I had already remembered that my husband had an early morning meeting and I kindly thought that maybe he would need the shower first this morning. I asked him about it and wouldn't you know it he told me that I could go first. I then mumbled something about how since we get up early to work around his schedule anyway and since he wasn't going to be here this morning that I could get up a tad later. Fast forward an hour and 15 minutes. I finally get out of bed and go about my usual routine but now I'm calculating whether or not I should go ahead and have my devotions and have the kids have a late start or skip the devotions and do them when the kids do theirs. (I know from past experience that this rarely works) I decided on a compromise - I would spend 20 minutes of time with the Lord and wake up the kids a little later.
So, I went into my prayer closet and spent time reading and taking notes from the last chapter of John. I began my prayer time as usual by writing in my prayer journal but this time I began telling the Lord that my time with him was cut short this morning because of my laziness. That's when the evidence of grace appeared. I realized that I didn't feel condemnation about sleeping in or guilt. What I felt was disappointment that I didn't have as much time with the Lord and I felt like I had been foolish trading sleep for my time with him. This may not seem like any big deal to you but you need to understand that in 6th grade I began what seemed a lifelong struggle to have consistent devotions. Throughout my life I had spurts of really good devotional times and then seasons when it was nothing more than duty if I did them at all. For years and years I hoped that some day I would really come to the place where I actually looked forward to them and enjoyed being in God's presence. By God's grace that has happened in my life. I think it's been gradual over the last few years but it was not until this morning that I recognized it. I actually like to read the Bible and I treasure my time alone with God. I know beyond doubt that this has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God's patient love working to change me.
As usual when you see God working in one area of your life it gives you hope for change in other areas as well. I often act as if my Christian walk is a sprint instead of a marathon. I want to see progress and see it now, in me, or in those around me. But God is in this for the long haul (really long if you consider human history). He is patiently working in all of us to complete his good work. Not one thing that he desires will be left undone. Have faith He is always working even when we don't notice.
Comments
Nov. 26, 2007 - Spirit of Christmas Award
Posted by JoyfulMomma
I wanted to give you the Spirit of Christmas Award. I am always blessed by your posts even though I don't always comment. You can read about the award at my blog.
Belynda
Dec. 5, 2007 - So true!!!
Posted by baronsgirl
Hello, my friend!
We are finally back in the US. I'm so glad to be back online to read your last three posts. I've missed learning from your wisdom and it's great to see the Lord's working in your life. Evidences of grace, that is. :-) I'll be in touch again soon, but know that you are loved and I hope to see you soon! And greet the birthday one for me, will you? I meant to call but the time slipped away amidst boxes and a bit of family stress.... :-)
Love you,
Jodie