Dissociated Thoughts

Grace

Getting back into the swing of things after a vacation is a bit difficult for me. I have to change my mindset from existing in the moment back to contemplation and making sure I get things done. Now, back to getting things done...

"Blogging Circle of Friends Prompt Forum"  Day 3199: August 17, 2021
Prompt: I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. Anne Lamot
Write about grace.

Let's tackle the first hill. Defining grace and deciding which definition to write about.
Merriam-Webster defines Grace as such:

Grace as a noun
1a: unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b: a virtue coming from God
c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2a: APPROVAL, FAVOR
b (archaic): MERCY, PARDON
c: a special favor, PRIVILEGE
d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
e: a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE

3a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic
b: a pleasing appearance or effect : CHARM
c: ease and suppleness

4: used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6(Graces plural): three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8a: sense of propriety or right
b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
grace verb
graced; gracing

Grace as a verb

1: to confer dignity or honor on
2: ADORN, EMBELLISH


WOW! There are a lot of possible definitions there! Judging by the context of the quote in question, I believe "grace" would be a combination defined in the first and second set of the noun section:

1b: a virtue coming from God

2a: APPROVAL, FAVOR
b (archaic): MERCY, PARDON
c: a special favor, PRIVILEGE
d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
e: a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE

So, how can it "meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us"? If we look at grace as a gift from God, it will never leave us where it found us because grace coming into our lives will better our lives, grace being in our lives betters our lives. Grace meeting us where we are means that no matter how far we fall, God's favor is such that we can always be lifted back up, regardless of whether or not we actually deserve it. This is the grace God has for us and the same that He encourages us to have for one another. Grace and kindness are intertwined. One shows grace to another being by their kindness, love, and care (and even faith someone can be a better person) - even when that other might not deserve it at the time.

It is by God's grace alone that I wake up each day. It was by my parents' grace that I didn't get my butt busted daily as a kid (because that's what I deserved, honestly).

SO, I guess, grace takes where you are, believes you can do/be better, pardons poor choices, shows lovingkindness, and gives chances for improvement. That's how it meets us where we are but leaves us in a different place than it found us in.

But that's just my take on it. What's yours?

LeJenD'Poet - Just ME