Grace for the Season

In some ways it is hard to believe that we will soon close out this year, 2022. In other ways many of us have gone through some significant moments and changes, and the year been full, and felt like it went too fast. New Year’s is a time of reflection, as well as being a time when we consider changes we will resolve to make. However, as we begin 2023, we know for some this holiday season has been joyful, and for others this has been a difficult time of the year. We must always remember to show kindness, and extend grace and empathy.

We truly do not always know what people are going through. Indeed, at times, on the outside people can seem like life is great, and they have everything together. Although, in actuality someone who seems to be on the surface okay, may be doing their best to hold on. Therefore, show grace to one another. And, when you are done showing grace to one another, show some more grace to each other. Personally, I know what it feels like to struggle with anxiety, and my anxiety can be heightened at this time of the year. People are hustling to get through the season, and everyone wants life to be “perfect”. Perfection, in our human standards, is not really attainable. And, if it were attainable, would we want to achieve it? Could we maintain perfection, if we could achieve a human standard of it?

In reality life is messy. Life is gritty and grimy sometimes. And, life is incredibly beautiful at times. Life is full of both disappointments and hopes.
Therefore, we need to pause before we respond to others, those we know and those of whom we are yet to meet. Pause. Be. Breathe. Consider: Maybe this person I am engaging with is just trying to get by? Maybe the person I am talking to is finding this season hard? Maybe the person in the store serving me is trying to work many hours, making not much pay, to care for their family?

Friends, be gracious to one another, as the Lord is gracious to us.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Psalm 145:8-9