Holding On To Grace

For the last 10 or so years, I've had the same New Year's Resolution: To floss more than I did the year before. So far, I've made little progress. Sad, but true. I'm starting to think that I need to change my strategy or change my goal. Either way, I still probably won't floss. Sometimes I'm just an underachiever.

Other than this elusive one goal, I don't really make resolutions. I don't believe in them. I don't think they really hold weight after January 15th. So why make 'em? But, I do set one solid focus for myself. Something I really want to give my attention to for the year. If you've been reading around here for long, you'll remember that 2011 was the year for me to "Do Less, Be More". Looking back, I think I achieved stellar success in Doing Less. Being More fell a little to the wayside.

By the start of every new year, I tend to have in mind what my focus will be. It's just something I tend to 'know'. But, 2012 has stumped me so far. Maybe it's because I forgot to Be More last year and now I'm paying for it.

I've read a lot about Grace lately. The kind that only He offers freely. It's a gift I think I often overlook as belonging to me. Grace is something for everyone else, I can't seem to absorb it's blessings into my own skin. I don't know why Grace is hard to hold on to. And I don't think I'm the only one that can't keep her grasp tight.

We read about Grace, we listen to others teach about Grace. We even speak about it as if we have taken it as our own. But have we really? Have we taken His Grace and planted it deep in our soul? Have we let it heal wounds and comfort our flaws? Have we let it soften our mistakes and give us hope for what He brings?

I think that this year I want to 'Hold On To Grace'. It looks fairly easy written down in words. But living with what you hold is a whole other thing. It takes knowledge and work and patience with yourself. It requires us to examine and change while finding joy in the process. Sounds just a bit daunting.

But what if we collectively held on to Grace together? What if we could each stand still and accept His offering? That kind of strength just might make our grasp a little easier and a little lighter. Just as Grace should be. Just as He intended.

May we each find Grace this year.

Together.