Thoughts on Grace from an ever-seeking non-theologian

Nature's Font by Dawn Glascock, all rights reserved

Grace is something with which my highly tuned analytical western mind has trouble. There are those who would respond that you cannot receive (accept) grace with the mind; that grace is a gift that must be received by the heart. And yet, how do we separate the two? Our Prayer Book teaches us that "Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills." (BCP page 858)

As Advent approaches and we await the coming of "The Light of the World" I find myself longing to grasp the gift of grace - to have it embrace me and to effusively share it with others. I see glimpses of grace from time to time, but, as Christians, should we not consistently experience grace? Surely that was what the creator intended and what our faith teaches us. Is this not what Christ gave to us? It is, again, what our faith teaches us through the sacraments: "The outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." (BCP p. 857)

Perhaps when we find it difficult to see grace in our selves or others, we receive the gift through God’s creation. I can always find grace in nature. Is the beauty we receive through nature the "on ramp" to receiving and seeing grace in each other? I am not sure of the answer, but to borrow the lyrics of Justin Kensrue:

"And it is safe to say we’ll never know everything, still blessings we receive. And it is safe to say I really don’t know a thing, still I choose to believe....And all the answers that I find only take me so far down the line. The tracks always give out, yeah it’s a leap from the lions mouth."

So this Advent I shall pray that as we await his coming, we shall all be blessed to celebrate grace in ourselves and each other.

Dawn Glascock