The Satisfaction of Grace

I've been blessed to review some of the old entries you've picked up lately--entries from two and three years ago. Thank you. It's a reminder of why "HeartQuencher" is here. It's here to say, from my little corner of the world, that God is real; that His Word is an active, living entity; that God really does speak into and work through the daily grind of life. Many of you can attest the same, and I hope you do.

One of the things I'm learning as I age is grace: grace with myself; hopefully, grace with others. This week I overheard a speaker on the radio say that his life took a one-eighty from the corporate world into ministry, but he is still the same. He has the same energy, drive and excitement. And I was encouraged. Too often I am chastised (or chastise myself) for "doing too much." And it's truly a temptation to get caught up in busyness or gaining others' admiration. But more than that, I felt a great weight fall off when I realized I just like to do things--and I have ideas and excitement and delight in making them happen. And that's okay. It's the way God designed me.

In our garage are paper-mache` bombs and sticks of dynamite for an upcoming mission-possible themed camp with 4-6th grade girls. The growing pile has a laminated hand-print for "secret" entry to our cabin, "Authorized Personnel Only," etc. etc. And it's great fun. God has provided the time, the resources and the desire to create things that will draw the girls attention, gain their interest, and soften their hearts to hear His Word. It's an act of love, not busyness. And that's okay. It's what God gave me to do, and the fight is not necessarily doing or not doing; the fight is in saying, "It's okay to love doing what God created me to do. I don't have to defend or feel badly or excuse it. I can glory and revel and rejoice in who God is--in the creativity of a great God--and what He's doing."

As I met with Joy last week to study Philippians we discussed Paul's mindset and attitude knowing he was in prison at the time. The study question asked how that related to us. "It is to be happy in God," she said. Clapping her hands at each action and releasing with the repeated refrain, she thought aloud, "That when I cook, I am happy; when I work, I am happy; when I sit, I am happy." And it brought to mind the word, "satisfied."

So this week, I have been taking joy in the busyness of life--in managing chores and laundry and Bible study and youth group and piles in the dining room. What a blessing to know and live and walk as God leads. That is the satisfaction of grace--knowing that whatever circumstances or opportunities or people God brings into my life, He has orchestrated and designed us for each other.

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

(Proverbs 3:19-26)