"Grace is simply the ability to put one foot in front of the other. Grace is the ability to go to work and endure it one more time. Grace is the ability to keep on going in spite of the fact that nothing around you has changed. To find the energy, to find the strength, and to find the faith to keep moving in the direction that God would have you move." -Andy Stanley
Thryve Magazine posted this a few weeks ago, and I added it to my ever-growing list of quotes. I revisited that list today, and it grabbed me once again.
On the receiving end, grace is like a breath of fresh air. It's so easy and pleasant to receive, but giving grace is hard. Giving grace is dying to yourself, to the anger or frustration or resentment, and, against my first instinct, giving back love, giving back understanding and forgiveness and patience.
I've always admired women who can be described as graceful (I've long been described as graceful, but it's usually referring to my lack of coordination). Lately, I've been given so many opportunities to practice extending grace, but usually I screw it up. It may not show to the offending party, but in my head and my heart I hold on to that grudge like my life depends on it. It's exhausting.
I'm finally starting to wrap my head around what it means to give grace, but boy do I have a long way to go, to give it freely, lovingly, and endlessly.
All this to say, for those of you struggling with grace, I'm right there with you. Let's struggle together. :)
