Snapshots of God’s Grace in Your Life- “Blink”

God’s Grace is found in snapshots of our story!

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

In her book, Mended, Pieces of a Life Made Whole, Angie Smith gives me a way to remember special moments.  A moment commemorating those times in my life when I knew the Presence of God was with me in an almost tangible way!  She describes a time when she was getting her girls into the car after Bible Study.  The two older girls, Abby and Ellie, were buckling themselves into the car while Kate was playing in the grass beside the car.  In her words, this is what happened next:

I turned to Kate and told her to run to me and I would pick her up.  Her eyes lit up and in true Kate fashion she took off full force toward my open arms.  I lifted her way

above my head and kissed her sweet cheeks on the way down.  As I put her into her car seat, Ellie said to me, “Know what, Mommy? I really wish I had a camera, because that was a beautiful picture you just made.”

Without really thinking about my reply, I said, “You think so, honey?  Well let’s just blink our eyes and keep that one in our heads then.”

Angie tells the reader that this is the way she stores memories in her head, as photographs, full of story and meaning.  With a “blink” of an eye, we can recall these stories from the camera in our mind.  When these photos are front and center, they come with the emotions that were part of that story in full color and serve as beautiful pictures of an active and loving God.  Throughout Scripture, God asks his people to remember the mighty works He did out of love for them.  He also remembers His promises and covenants to them.  (Deuteronomy 7:18, 8:2, 1 Chronicles 16:12)

So, I did some remembering of my own, bringing up memorable snapshots in my mind of the stories in my life.  I prayed for an open mind and then just let it go.

Blink

My friend’s beautiful prayer for me at the end on one of our coaching sessions.  She affirmed me before the Lord and thanked me for being a positive role in her world.  Thank you, Father, for using her to affirm in me the “good work” You are doing me.  Thank You that you will continue it to completion. Your Grace is enough!

(Philippians 1:6)

Blink

I walked into Meagan’s room in our apartment home in Aurora, CO.  She was about 4 years old and had spent her quiet time creating an elaborate board game.  It had colorful pieces, cards to play, markers to move around the board.  I sat down on the floor and we played it together.  Sweet, sweet moment! Sweet, sweet girl.  I marveled at the creativity and imagination You had placed in my precious daughter, Father.

Remembering a time when grace was freely given!

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I made the familiar drive out to the farmhouse on Route O one evening…with a heavy heart.  I had made that drive to Mom and Dad’s hundreds of times, but this time was different.  I needed to share with them my recent diagnosis of depression.  I needed to tell them I was taking a 5-week sick leave from work.  I needed to tell them I had finally come face to face with the dysfunction in my home.  I was apprehensive about telling them.  Silly me!  The love that met me in that living room were more than I could ever have hoped for!  They embraced me!  My dad had tears in his eyes as he held me close.  No disappointment in me!  Nothing to add to the shame I was feeling.  Just love – unconditional, healing love.  Even now, I can tear up as I remember.  Even now I am stirred and awed by the Grace of God showed to me in my parents’ home that evening.

Blink

I twirled around the room, the skirt of my new dress swirling around me!  I felt so alive and so special!  My Nana and Pop had taken me to the department store and bought me a new dress!  It was a “circle” dress—the skirt/bodice being cut as a perfect circle—all the rage back then!!  I never dreamed I would have one of my own.  It was just one of the memories of my trip to see them in Largo, Florida for a week in the summer after my 6^th grade year.

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“I love you Lord, and I lift my voice. To worship You. O, my soul rejoice!”

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My 9-pound precious baby girl looking up at me as I held her in my arms after 20+ hours of labor.  The first tug of her nursing and the flood of love I felt.

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The power of the water shouting its presence at Thunder Hole, Acadia National Forest, Maine.  The quiet tide pool 10 feet away, alive with tiny sea weeds and fish.  God speaking so clearly to me in both the thunder and quiet.  Power.  Peace. Always grace.

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The sanctuary filled with those we loved – family and a few friends.  Gerber daisies and pots of spring flowers.  A primitive bench and glowing candles.  And Scott at the front of the church with Troy.  I could see the love in his eyes from the back of the church.  Oh, how I wanted to RUN down that aisle to meet him!  To start our life together!   Such great love.

Snapshots with a loved one – we shared many stories in common.

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Marla and I on the dock at the Lake House when the light came on and her smile lit up the day!  In that moment, she knew what she wanted to do with her life – her life of retirement after teaching young children all those years!  God revealed to her ways to use her gifts and experiences in a new way, honoring her love of books.  Just one of the many “A-ha moments” I have shared with people during my years as a life coach.

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Kellan looking up at me with a soft smile as I read a book with him and saying, “Gigi, I love you.”

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My dad telling how remarkable he found my life coaching and the way I was able to come alongside so many people. He was proud of me.

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Lord I believe, Help my unbelief…

Snapshots help us  recall the stories of our lives and the  choices every day, choices to love well or not.  Choices to honor God with our words and deeds. I know there are many snapshots in my mind I would like to cast away . . . but they too are part of the shaping that made me who I am today, due to God’s Grace.  What I choose to learn from the past can draw me nearer to Him.  It can show where I do not want to go, ever again! It can reveal His heart of love and grace, as well.

Our God is a good and gracious God.  He loves us so much that He created us to remember – to remember all that He has done for good in our lives, all the people He has brought us to love and to love us, all the beauty of the world he created, for our use and our enjoyment.

Take a few moments to Blink!  Ask the Holy Spirit to bring some photos to your mind and enjoy the loving, grace-filled presence of your Father as you do.