Grace

So, I will throw it out their. A slight unveiling of my heart in this season. Having lived in this foreign land I now call home for five years now, I am so grateful the Lord continues to teach me new things about myself, my mission, and who I am in Him.

 My housemate, Tiffany, said something awhile back that is basic, but has stuck with me since then:

"We are here (in Uganda) by God's grace and it's His grace that keeps us here." 

How often do I forget the great gift of grace it is to be here, in a foreign land, serving side by side with His people? What a unique experience that some people only dream of but will never have. It is easy to look at the sacrifices (and I am not discounting that there are great sacrifices) but forget the gift of grace it is to be here.

"It is His grace that keeps us here." - Honestly my first interpretation of that was - "It takes a lot of His grace in me to help me handle all that goes on in living in a different place with a different culture and people."  But I don't think that is what Tiff meant.

Each day I remain in Uganda is the Father's gift of grace to me.  I am receiving what I don't deserve.  And perhaps the second statement is more about the grace manifested in others towards me.

The grace of me in Uganda has nothing to do with me; nothing to do with me manifesting any grace.  But it is poured out on me by my Father in heaven and by the hearts of the people who have allowed me to work beside them and have adopted me into their lives.

Therefore, the only natural and justifiable response back should be a gracious heart.  Does my life reflect the grace poured out on me?

I am afraid the answer is often, "no".

Ann (my middle name) means "full of grace"-  this has been my prayer for months now.  Oh Lord, may I live out the fullness of my name and be full of grace in everything I do.  Help me to walk more in your Spirit.  Let me love and show grace without boundaries.  Amen.