Grace

Andrea Lynn

June 6, 1990

9:17 a.m.

8 lbs, 10 oz

Scared Parents: Lawnmower Man & Big Nanny

I love to look at newborn pictures. I like to look at them and wonder what that baby is thinking.

When I look at this baby, I think she is wondering, "Are you sure, God? Did you get it right? This is who you want to be my mother? Are you serious? She's only 18? She hasn't got a clue?"

And then God says back to her, "Yes, I got it right because I need to give this girl some of my sweet grace."

I have often had a hard time wrapping my mind around the word grace and what it's true meaning really is. I've looked it up in the dictionary over and over again. And this is what the Merriam Webster seems to think it means...

grace
Pronunciation:
\ˈgrās\
Function:
noun
1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace2 a: approval, favor barchaic : mercy, pardon c: a special favor : privilege d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e: a temporary exemption : reprieve3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b: a pleasing appearance or effect : charm c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing4—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop5: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks6plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura8 a: sense of propriety or right b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
synonyms see mercy

and that all seems a bit too much and wordy. A few years ago, I sat in the Beef O'Brady's Restaurant with one of my fruit bowl girls, Andrea. On this day she gave me a simple definition of grace: When God gives you something that you don't deserve.

On this day, eighteen years ago, God poured out His grace to me in abundance. And I'm forever thankful.