Expressions of Grace

 Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and gray hairs

    I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

    I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

“…you are called to be a living expression of his grace.” -Jen Lilley 

I’m a year from seventy and not one to hide my age, because I’m grateful, I made it this far. 

As I age, I realize more and more the beauty of growing older. I’d like to think I’m wiser and not in such a hurry as I was in my younger years. I used to think when I tried a new art or craft, I had to master it. Not anymore. Now I’m happy to play and try, and if I fail, I’ll move on. I’ve learned when I have opinions, I’m free to keep them to myself. And I embrace the valuable time I have with the people I love. 

I’ve been reading a devotional by Jen Lilley, and I love the quote she shared. I am a living expression of God’s grace. As I grow older, I realize every day is an opportunity to show the folks around me God’s love through my life and how I live it. I want to leave a legacy of God’s mercy and grace. As Casting Crowns sings, I don’t care if people remember me, but I want them to remember Jesus. 

When I think about what my grandkids will remember about me, I hope the gift of the Holy Spirit comes to mind: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and that they’ll embrace them as well.

Regardless of how long God allows me on this earth, I know without a doubt, he sustains me, not just physically, but also spiritually. 

Embrace each day with grace.