“Peace often comes not by changing our circumstances, but by receiving grace right where we are.” Sandi
Today's devotional is more like a story. My story. And, probably, well...all of us have a story similar in some ways, so I know you can relate.
It's a story about grace. God's grace. And how, even in our darkest times, His grace holds us close, gives us what we need to make it through challenging times.
Inspiration for today's devotional story comes from my set of china, the set that belonged to my mother. She passed the china down to me long before she died.
As I was dusting the china cabinet this morning, I picked up a cup that has a chip on one side. Just a small chip.
As I held that cup in my hand, it reminded me of the last time my mama and I set at the table, enjoying lunch, served by candlelight on the beautiful china plates. Just the two of us. In the middle of sadness, finding a reason to smile. A reason to be grateful. Counting our blessings. Finding grace in the brokenness.
Grace in Brokenness
When my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late December 2007, she came to my home so I could care for her.
But the time passed quickly. Just six weeks later and it was February. The daffodils bloomed early that year. I believe God sent them early so my mom and I could see them and remember there is always hope in the middle of our winters of life.
My family all came together, focused on making the most of every moment, setting aside broken relationships and holding on to one another, sharing a lot of love.
Our son was home for a short break from war. My brother and sister-in-law came from Texas and stayed. Other family came and we all gathered under one roof.
I recall details about that time. Some so small, I can't explain why they mattered. But they did.
Like the day my oldest brother fixed an outside water leak. It was cold but I stood by him while he worked and we talked. That's a small detail to remember, but it mattered to me.
And there was the day my mom bought a guitar for one of my brothers, a guitar to replace the one he sold years ago. She wanted to hear him play again.
It thrilled her to give him the gift and in turn, he gave her the gift of music. As he strummed the chords, music filled the house. She smiled. We all did.
It was a time of family togetherness. Remembering times of childhood. Meals around the table.
Forcing laughter at times when all we wanted to do was cry.
We were already grieving, knowing what was coming and precious time was slipping through our fingers like sand.
My Chains Are Gone
Some days, when my mother and I were alone, I brought out the china and by candlelight we enjoyed sitting at the dining room table for our noon meal. We were only two at a family table that seats ten or twelve. Even so, in the flickering of the candle, I saw her smile. Even laugh. I knew she was enjoying these special moments of doing the unexpected. In the flickering candlelight, I saw grace.
She loved the movie, Amazing Grace, and we watched it over and over. It was the song in the movie that brought tears to our eyes. Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone.
We talked about the beautiful grace that God had shown by allowing us to be mother and daughter.
Grace upon grace. We talked about the many times we witnessed God's grace to our family.
God's amazing grace. We talked about how grace, His amazing grace, meant that whatever the days ahead might bring, it was not the end. We would be together again. With everyone.
The more we talked about God's grace in the middle of our sorrow, the chains of impending death lifted and those final days were times of joy and peace. God's amazing grace shining like a candle, casting light in a dark time.
Grace Forever
Here I am, years later, so thankful that God's grace is unending, His love is unfailing, and His mercy is everlasting. The flame of grace still burns. From year to year. Generation to generation.
Be encouraged. Don't lose hope.
Today, let grace be your filter for the chaos around you. Enjoy each day, every moment you have. Bring out the china and light the candles. Let grace pour over you, and wash you with peace. As you are consumed by grace, it will fill your heart and push out doubt and fear. Grace. It's what we all need and it is freely given.
Pause and Reflect
- Where might God be asking you to release control and trust Him with what you can't change?
- How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help steady your heart for what lies ahead?
- What legacy of faith, love, or grace has been passed down to you, and how are you carrying it forward?
Where Do We Go From Here
There are moments in life when words alone cannot fully capture what our hearts feel. When grief and joy, sorrow and love, all mingle together, sometimes music speaks what we can't. Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin was that song for my mom and me. Take a moment and listen, let the melody wash over you and the words remind you that God’s grace is unending, His love is unfailing, and His mercy is forever. Picture the candlelight flickering, the china set for a simple meal, and allow yourself to be carried into a place of peace where grace meets every corner of your heart.
Let's Pray
Lord, when our hearts feel heavy and fear creeps in, help us lean on You. Thank You for Your grace that covers what we can't fix and calms what we can't control. Let Your grace settle our thoughts, quiet our worries, and soften our sorrow. Help us remember that You are with us in every moment, holding us when we feel weak and carrying us when the way feels hard. Today, we choose to trust You, resting in the assurance that Your grace is enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friends, thank you for sharing your time with me today.
As you go about your day, take this Scripture with you. Allow its message to remind you that no matter what you face, God's grace is abundant and freely given, grace upon grace.
"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given" — John 1:16.
So, until next time, walk in grace, extend grace, and receive the grace God has for you. Be blessed and always remember...your stories matter.
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:16.
Links
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
Harvest. Stories, Recipes, and Memories of a Southern Family Heritage (the book with many of my mother's recipes and stories).
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Just beautiful, Sandi. Grace gets us through the hard times and even brings joy in the midst of sorrow. I’ve experienced it many times. I’m so thankful.
Sandi, this devotional shows both grief and joy all together. Thank you for sharing. I needed a reminder that in the middle of my pain, I can choose to find joy, freely given because of God’s grace.
Caroline, thank you for reading and commenting. We all need reminders in the middle of our struggles. I hope your day is filled with joy!
Amen. There is nothing like the grace that God gives to us.
Gail, absolutely, there is nothing that compares to the grace of God!
Grace that covers all my sin. Beautifully written.
Thank you Marilyn! I’m so thankful for the grace of God!