Today is Mother's Day in the United States. We said good-bye to my mom about ten years ago. Somehow, I managed to read the following words at her funeral.
After ten years, I still miss you mom.
After ten years, I still miss you mom.
GRACE
Back in the Old Testament times, parents would often give their children names that fit their character. I
was never sure how they were able to do this, nor am I sure how George and
Lillian Blomberg came to name my mom “Grace.”
But never was there a person who so fit the character of her name.
Words and language have a greater purpose than we often give them. Words are meant to express more than simply a
set of facts that are to be understood correctly. We must go beyond mere and meager
communication to know the person who is speaking. When we know the words and language of the One who has spoken in the Bible, we are progressing from the cold, hard facts
of the Old Testament Law, to knowing Jesus Christ Himself, who is God’s
fullest expression of His Word.
So it is with the word Grace.
If we can, for a moment, put aside any strictly theological definitions
of the word, we will know my mom better.
Grace does not mean that one ignores what is bad, but it is instead
making a conscious choice to act with favor toward someone, despite what they
may deserve. Grace is knowing
that the good that exists so outweighs the bad, that in the end, it is the good
that will prevail. Understanding these
things, we can begin living by grace. By living in grace, we can also know my mom.
Grace is kissing
the cheek of a grandchild for some stemless flowers that he has just picked
from her best planter on the porch to give to his gramma.
Grace is
enjoying the way the sun shines through the window and not commenting on how
the sun shows how dirty the window glass is.
Grace is
standing in the barn door during chore time and singing to the morning; not
allowing oneself to be brought low by the drudgery of milking cows.
Grace is
genuinely enjoying unexpected company, even when the pain in your knees begins
to become unbearable.
Grace is being
very hesitant to believe something bad about someone, but very quick to believe
something good.
Grace is
reminding someone of how, in the end, all things will be made right by God.
Grace is
reciting lines of poems learned long ago, just for the joy of hearing the
words.
Grace is facing
a busy day, but taking time to enjoy listening to the birds singing in the
morning.
Grace is encouraging
you to “look-up my cousin’s family,” when you pass through their town; even
though you have never met them and think you have no time. (“You might make a new friend”)
Grace is writing
a letter to someone that you think might be missing his home.
Grace is wearing
old farm clothes that smell of cow barn, when your natural beauty deserves the
finest clothing and richest perfume.
Grace is taking
more pleasure in the achievements of others than in your own.
Grace is
reminding someone to think in terms of what will seem important about today, 80
years from now.
Grace is knowing
that there is good to be found in every situation.
Grace is singing
and singing ... and singing.
Grace is having
that quality which makes others always feel better about a difficult situation
after they have had a cup of coffee and visited with you.
Grace is
appreciating so much the smallest thing that another may do for you.
Grace is knowing
that to give grace to others, you must also know how to receive it.
Grace is also
knowing that the originator of all good things is God.
Grace – despite
wanting to hold on to someone you love so much – is letting that person go into
the care and the love of Jesus.
We can let you
go, mom. From you we have learned grace.
All who knew my
mom have touched the grace of God, because she knew how to live within His
grace. It was with purpose that the
Apostle Paul wrote to the churches, “Grace and Peace to
you.” The two go together. Where there is grace, there is peace. When we learn to live by the grace of
God, we will also know peace.
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