Frederick Buechner, theologian and author, once said that “grace” reminds us that God speaks: “Here is your life. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen, but don’t be afraid. I am with you through it all. Everything in creation is meant for you – there’s just one ‘catch’: as with any gift, the gift of grace and joy is yours when you open your heart to receive it.”
It’s easy to accept the “beautiful” as a gift of grace and joy, but to keep our hands open to receive the difficult things as well – that is true faith. Only then do we truly understand Habakkuk’s song of praise: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour” (Hab. 3:17-19).
Buechner’s words resonate with me again: “…Everything in creation is meant for you – there’s just one ‘catch’: as with any gift, the gift of grace and joy is yours when you open your heart to receive it.” This reminds me of the Latin words “gratis” and “gracia.” Grace (“gracia”) freely (“gratis”) offered to us. Goodness freely given. Jewish philosopher and author Elie Wiesel said, “Think of every hour as grace, because what is here now may not be there in a moment.” Yesterday, it was still winter; today the sun may shine warmly. I find the English translation of Lamentations 3:22-24 from The Message version especially touching: “God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!… I say it over and over: He’s all I’ve got left.” We cannot “live out” God’s goodness and faithfulness.
PRAYER: Generous God, who holds nothing back – not even Yourself! Full of goodness and grace.
ART: Gustav Klimt, 1913, Austria
MUSIC:
We listen to the lyric video of Grant Adams’ “The Valley.”
From the lyrics:
All of my life, You have been faithful
All of my days, You have been good
So why would I question now if You’re able
I know you’ll come through like You said that You would
In the middle of the valley of the shadow
I won’t be afraid
In the middle of the desert when I’m wandering
You will make a way
Cause I know that Your goodness and Your mercy
Are with me all my days
In the middle of the valley of the shadow
I won’t be afraid
When darkness is all surrounding me
You’ll make a fest in front of my foes
When I am weak I’ll rest in fields of green
And day after day my cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
And I will dwell in Your house