As I sit here and type this post, I have a little one-dollar metal sign propped on the left hand side of my roll top desk.
It says, “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.”
I have been in possession of this sign for probably close to a decade. I acquired it before I was hardcore following Jesus in the days when I lived and breathed on achieving. It was all about me and what I was doing.
It is probably no secret that I was borderline perfectionistic.
But as I started walking closer with Christ over six years ago (for real this time) He began to reveal the major flaw in my quest for perfection.
Perfection leaves no room for grace.
There is not any space for God to fill our gaps if the one thing we worship is the concept of perfect.
I have learned that grace is one of those faith aspects that can either bring tremendous relief to a tender heart… Or tremendous struggle to a prideful one.
I have lived on both sides of that.
And God continues to refine me, giving me the courageous faith to not only receive His grace, but to give it in return.
So what does courageous grace look like?
Courageous grace looks like saying, “Ok, Jesus, I want to rest,” when our hearts are weary.
Courageous grace is giving wiggle room to those we love when they fall short of our expectations.
Courageous grace is giving OURSELVES wiggle room when we fall short.
Courageous grace is trying again and again on faith when previous attempts have left us empty-handed.
Courageous grace is letting God set the standard.
Friends, what does courageous grace look like in your life? I always love to hear from you and respond to every comment. Won’t you leave one below?
I keep that “excellence” sign on my desk to remind me how God has transformed me through the years. It also reminds me to think of the new fluorescent note card that hands in my prayer closet that says: “Heart Check: Are you giving more grace or grief?”
Here is to courageous grace… both giving it AND receiving it.
In His Grace,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” ~Ephesians 2:8-9
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
