A MOMENT OF GRACE

This is a follow up to the previous entry, “GRACE AND SATURDAY MORNING”. You will recall my frustration with last weeks schedule and lack of time for preparation.

Sunday morning God honored a promise and showed up in our midst as we gathered to worship and pray. There was a heavenly crescendo as the worship team led us in celebration.

We took a few minutes and recognized a ministry couple in our church. We laid our hands on Paul and Nancy and prayed thanking God for the gracious way he ministers through this couple. We then enjoyed a carry in dinner following service. There was an abundance of food and good fellowship among our people.

I was sitting at a table visiting with a rather new couple when a grace moment occurred. Clayton said, “Look at the way he cares for his wife.” Looking across the room in the direction of his glance my eyes fell upon Marv and Karen. As they walked Marv was leading her by the hand and their gate was slow. Karen has suffered a stroke and her recovery is taking some time. Looking at these two together Clayton said, “There is so much love in the way he takes care of her it overflows and touches everyone in the room.”

I sat there knowing I was in the presence of God. Grace was communicated Sunday afternoon in the most genuine way. It came through love. I am sure God used the music and singing and all the other preparations. Perhaps He even used the short message I delivered during the service. However, it was through the transparent love of a man walking with his wife that touched the heart of my friend Clayton.

We read in Genesis these words, “For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” (Gen.2:24)

When I see a couple I dearly love committed to each other as they walk a difficult path, and my friend looks upon their walk and finds a blessing, it touches my heart and shows me a reflection of grace.