“Marginal Grace”
“Marginal” Grace.
I received my grace epidemic card from church on April 12, 2009, and like so many people I was totally excited about the process… and then Monday came. I went back to work and the card moved from my purse to the bedside table. Soon it was time for our family vacation…and the card moved to the bookshelf. Before long vacation was over and I was back paying bills, going to rehab for an old injury and the card moved to the back of the closet. Then last Sunday I went to church and heard about this space that exits in some peoples lives called “margins”. Being a type AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA personality if there is any margin left in any of the square boxes marked by dates on my calendar I think something is wrong. But today, I let myself have some time with no agenda and guess what???? I came across this grace card. So, I sat down and prayed; not for more money to cover the bills, or for someone’s healing, or for guidance about any number of situations, or for permission to have that “come to Jesus talk” with my brother (and no this is NOT an invitation to discipleship for those of you unfamiliar with the expression). I wanted to give my card away and follow through with the commitment that I made back in April of 2009 . Over the course of a few hours a couple came to mind. I had seen the husband last week standing outside his vehicle talking on his cell phone. I smiled inside remembering how many times he had taken the time to talk with me when I was the new “Minister of Education”. He and his wife loved me when I came on staff at the church. They loved me when I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. They loved me when I thought it was insane for any church to have five Christmas Eve services. They loved me when it snowed on Easter and I thought no one should go to church. They loved me when I thought the most important part of my job was buying clothes, food and gifts for families who would otherwise have no Christmas(not everyone believed that was the best use of my resources L. They loved me when I got in trouble, and they even loved me when the lawyer in me was more prominent than the Christian. They loved me through two pastors and yes….my eventual resignation. Because of Glenn and Suzanne I can testify to the grace that I have received…grace that held my hand, grace that dried my tears, grace that smiled across the aisle with pride when God spoke through me in an eloquent prayer. And so, having received this grace I pass on this card to them with anticipation of the grace that I hope they too will receive, or give.
Love,
JoAnn
