Learning the Unforced Rhythms of Grace…
In 2021, one of my themes for the year was to learn more about the unforced rhythms of grace as exemplified by Jesus. The learning continues, and I’m convinced will for a lifetime. Today’s post is a slightly edited one from last year, which I hope you find meaningful.
Have you ever been invited to the home of a gracious hostess? You know enough about event preparation to understand she did a whole lot of work. But she doesn’t appear flustered. She smiles and engages in conversation with each guest. Food is presented beautifully and tastes scrumptiously.
This woman has learned the unforced rhythm of gracious hospitality.
How about those dancers or figure skaters, gliding gracefully and seemingly without effort on stage or ice? You know their performance follows hours and hours of grueling practice, aching muscles, and tears of frustration, but that’s not your focus. You’re simply enthralled by the presentation.
These artists have learned the unforced rhythms of grace to perform before an admiring audience.
Today’s post is about a different type of grace—a vital kind of grace.
Divine grace, as reflected by the life and invitation of Jesus.
When I was a child, Sunday School was a big part of my life. I was encouraged to memorize a lot of Scripture, which I loved doing. I don’t know if it was the Scripture I loved so much as the performance prize that awaited my efforts. Whatever the motivation, words memorized from God’s Word penetrated deep into my little-girl soul where they remain today.
One of those passages was from Matthew where Jesus invites his followers:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (See Matthew 11:23-30 NKJV)
This passage took on a depth of meaning for me when I read it in The Message.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (emphasis mine)
It was during a season when I experienced a real crisis of faith that God’s grace became more than memorized words. Grace became my reality and lifelong passion. I am committed to learning more and more how to flow in God’s grace.
How grateful I am for Jesus’ invitation to “learn [from Him] unforced rhythms of grace.”
Blessings in your learning,
