So Monday afternoon since I had the kids because the littles (primary school) didn't have class I ended up with afternoon bible study we have on Monday and Friday. I was the only staff member there. I really didn't know what in the world we would talk about. So I asked if anyone had anything to share.
Nope.
Not a one.
So I asked them did they have anything to be thankful for. They all said yes. So I asked them what?
Several said "Life!" and to the one that was loudest I asked her why do you say life? What reason do you have to say you are thankful for your life? (Sorry, this is a translation of how I said it in spanish. It might sound a little odd)
So we got into this discussion about how if we cannot list the reasons that we are thankful each day that will affect how we see our day. Our attitude. Our God. Because He daily gives us things for our bodies and our hearts.
Then I told them that on Wednesday in circle we would talk about Grace. So this morning we did. I asked them if anyone could tell me what the word Grace means. Silence. Since sometimes the kids will know but are afraid to say the answer I searched faces and was met with looks that said they didn't know. So I told them that Grace was a gift that we are given that we do not deserve. I read Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and [a]that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast
We talked about how we are all sinful and nothing we do makes us able to say "I did THIS to get my salvation!" Other than faith to trust in Him. I shared from 2 Corinthians that "His grace is sufficient" HIS GRACE FREE. FREE, and I can't do a THING to get it but trust Him and have Faith (that He POURS out on us because we simply ask for it!) HA!
And I went on to share the story I blogged about 3 years ago today about climbing the mountain. How I didn't know that girl at the store at the top of Stone Mountain who let me have that hot chocolate but I didn't have enough…I had not EARNED that hot chocolate…but she let me have it. And as I shared I fought back tears because I see His grace for me so many places and I can't help but get overwhelmed by it.
I closed with how our Father in heaven loves to give us good things. My Dad loves me and loves to do things and give me things I need but He can never love me like My Father in Heaven can. It's perfect love. As I said that my Dad can't love me like God I got some double takes from some of my kids. I pray they are hearing me that the God who creates the universe, the son who died for them, and the Holy Spirit that so clearly speaks to our hearts loves them. Each one of them. And His grace is there and real and sufficient each day. I pray that they would see it like I do.
The days its a struggle to get up and get to the yard by 6. The days its a struggle to be patient when 10 of my 90 girls have asked the same thing in 2 minutes. The days it seems like I don't matter much. The days I think that people at home have forgotten me. That people don't intercede for me and my kids. When what I have is eclipsed by what I WANT or think i NEED.
Then shows up things like….
there is the kid that I literally had to tackle one day because she was fighting with a kid and chasing after her, now 2 weeks later snuggled up to me walking from Big Circle to the dining hall.
A kid who rarely talks to me comes over and sits down next to me before we go to school and says "Just because I want to sit with you"
The friend who texts me to say she had a CFA cookie and thought of me. And missed me.
The girl I haven't seen in 2 years and haven't heard from via text for months that texted me just because.
The old prayer partner who still speaks truth and love into my life from countries and miles away.
The special needs kids who just want to hug me forever. And the one that is constantly talking, laughing, and smiling to brighten my morning.
The verses in emails and devotions and the things He presents to me consistent to speak to my heart on the themes the Holy Spirit is teaching me.
The patience and love of my friends who listen and love me in my worst and weakest.
The kids who just want hugs and tell me they love me.
Dr. Pepper and not having to carry it in my backpack because I got to go on the bus to the grocery store in Teguc.
Time to read and pray and listen for hours at the airport waiting on delayed team members.
It's all grace.
Because He loves me. And it just makes me love Him more.
I pray you see His grace in your world today.
Be His.
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