Grace Hoarder

Life, for me, would be so much easier if I didn't have to deal with people.  I mean, wouldn't it for all of us.  There is always some drama going on somewhere that somehow we are, one, invited to participate in, or, two, drug into kicking and screaming.  Sometimes we're seen as the drama queen and sometimes we're seen as hateful because we want to have no part.

As a parent, I am learning how my children play these roles daily.  I have one that tends to exude drama.  And I have one that simply just instigates it.  And then I have one that marches to the beat of his own little drummer and typically has nothing to do with the drama (for now anyway).

I'm also learning quite a bit about myself through the fiery trials of parenthood.  One thing that pains me to admit is that I am a grace hoarder.  I am confessing this sin to the world (ugh) because I know that I need accountability, as do we all.  As I've been studying through the book of 1 Peter to start my day, I am keenly aware of my own need not only for grace but also to give grace.

My children are young and though we are raising them prayerfully to commit their lives to loving obedience to Christ, they are not believers yet.  And it has been pressed upon my heart their need to experience grace from me, their mother, in order to understand the grace lavishly poured out on them through Christ.  People, please realize that there are those who DO NOT believe and our accusations and condemnation of their actions without love is wrong.  Why would any unbeliever want our "drama" when they can get that where they are already?

Today I am praying for myself and other believers that this crazy, dying world around us would know we are Christians because of the love we show, not only to fellow believers but to those who do not believe around us.  And I am choosing to let the grace given to me be shown through my actions to those around me today.  Please, believers, don't be the drama today, choose instead to impart grace.