Surprised by Grace!

What amazing grace flooded my world - and my office - today! I looked at the clock above my office door for the umpteenth time this afternoon and discovered that the door frame was also framing the faces of very special people from my past. There, surprisingly, stood my youth leader and her daughter whom I used to babysit. And beside that young woman were her two daughters - full of life and joy and love (and mischief ... after all, I know their mother AND their grandmother!) As Margaret and Jennifer, Haley and Madison came into the room, so did amazing memories and the easy conversation of old that helped create them. The hope we used to share in the Body of Christ we absolutely knew as family filled the room, too, as we talked candidly, quickly about our faith journeys and our spiritual needs. Something else was palpable in the room, too ... a sobering soreness that remains from the loss of great men who, once a vital, integral part of our life together, are now a part of the Church Triumphant. I'm glad, though I can't explain how it happens, I know that it's true that in God's economy, the best of Daddy and Wayne still fill our hearts and any room we occupy. My greatest surprise today wasn't seeing the faces of such special people, 'live' and in my presence; it is the discovery of a long ignored quiet, but powerful river of hope and purpose running through me - all because a youth leader told me with conviction that who I am matters (not just to her, but to God!) and, then, trusted her children to my care.

Who, in your seasons past, can you recognize now as conduits of God's love and grace, mouthpieces of Divine truth and wisdom who have helped you become who - and how - you are? Being loved on by and loving in return such amazing people (who will really always be a part of me, and me of them) was such an unexpected and awesome twist on today ... kinda makes me want to be the one to show up in another old friend's doorway or mailbox or voicemail. How 'bout you?