As I worked on my computer tonight, I stumbled across an old document, collecting dust on my desktop. When I was in seminary, I kept a running list of all the assignments I needed to finish in one handy word document called "things to do." In our advanced world, it stands as a pretty primitive way for me to keep track of outstanding items that I want to accomplish but the system worked and I never unintentionally turned in assignments late.
But since graduating from seminary, I've neglected the list. I don't have as many things to do (thank God) and I have taken to keeping track of the very important things on my calendar on my cell. But due to boredom tonight, I opened up the document and found the remains of some old items I never finished. One was a mix CD that I planned to make for my good friend (sorry, Alissa!). Second was a reminder to look up a ministry that I might be interested in pursuing (I wonder why I never heard back from them...). And third, I have typed, "Don't forget to reveal grace every time you speak."
I am often humored by my own ability to structure spiritual growth but tonight I was encouraged by my heart's desire to reveal grace to people as I speak. I'm sure when I originally wrote it down on my to-do list, I thought my life would be filled with speaking engagements and book deals. Today though, the words have new meaning. I spoke to a friend on the phone today and encouraged her to persevere in the path that God was calling her to. One of my students came by today and we covered the darker sides of her family with grace. Today I spoke grace, but other days my mouth is quick to criticize. And the reminder to reveal grace is something I long to keep in front of me as one of the most important tasks of my day. Every interaction I have with someone is a chance to reveal the very grace God has so abundantly given to me. So, grace remains on my to-do list (along with the mix CD and ministry recommendation). I hope it's there to stay.
But since graduating from seminary, I've neglected the list. I don't have as many things to do (thank God) and I have taken to keeping track of the very important things on my calendar on my cell. But due to boredom tonight, I opened up the document and found the remains of some old items I never finished. One was a mix CD that I planned to make for my good friend (sorry, Alissa!). Second was a reminder to look up a ministry that I might be interested in pursuing (I wonder why I never heard back from them...). And third, I have typed, "Don't forget to reveal grace every time you speak."
I am often humored by my own ability to structure spiritual growth but tonight I was encouraged by my heart's desire to reveal grace to people as I speak. I'm sure when I originally wrote it down on my to-do list, I thought my life would be filled with speaking engagements and book deals. Today though, the words have new meaning. I spoke to a friend on the phone today and encouraged her to persevere in the path that God was calling her to. One of my students came by today and we covered the darker sides of her family with grace. Today I spoke grace, but other days my mouth is quick to criticize. And the reminder to reveal grace is something I long to keep in front of me as one of the most important tasks of my day. Every interaction I have with someone is a chance to reveal the very grace God has so abundantly given to me. So, grace remains on my to-do list (along with the mix CD and ministry recommendation). I hope it's there to stay.
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