Today awakens feeling as though grace has wings. The world outside at 3:00am is quiet, untainted by the busy-ness which will soon become it. I like the early hours, for I do not compete with the energy or chaos of others. It is a time of sweet contemplation, reflection, dreaming, and bowing in humble awe at the grace bestowed. Grace is one of my ultimate favorite words, just saying the word soothes the senses and invites wonder.

What does the dictionary say about “Grace” –

1 a :unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b :a virtue coming from God

2 a :approval, favor stayed in his good graces

b archaic :mercy, pardon

c :a special favor :privilege

d :disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e :a temporary exemption :reprieve

3 a :a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities he possessed the saving grace of humor.

b :a pleasing appearance or effect :charm

c :ease and suppleness (see 1supple 2b) of movement or bearing danced with such grace

4 a :short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

Growing up, grace was one of those words I associated with meal time, the fourth definition stated above. As the years have floated by, grace has imbued itself within me, guiding me to notice the subtleties that exist in all moments. Grace is watching a leaf gently fall from a tree, dressed in its spectacular fall attire, it sways gently to the river below where it is cradled and rocked to new places and experiences. Grace is the rays of sunlight barely squeezing through the clouds on a day laden by the dew of raindrops. Grace greets me in the smile of a passing stranger, who lights up even more genuinely when the smile is returned. I experience grace in the dance of a passing dog, who merrily prances with pure delight on the end of their persons leash. Grace ignites my day in the tonal quality of my daughter’s voice when she fills the air with song.

When I look back on life, I can recall powerful moments of grace. Holding my great grandma’s hand as she left this world; gently and peacefully embarking on her next journey. Hearing the cry of my children as they healthily inhaled their first breath. Gliding across the sparkling snow with such ease on my skies, laughing with my grandpa who the next day shockingly departed. Watching my siblings grow up, changing through the seasons as they navigated their independent journey. Hearing the rich laughter of family, friends, and strangers.

As I get older, I not only visually see grace, I feel grace. It is the soft caress or mighty gale that moves my hair and tickles my skin when I stroll. Ever gentle it exists in authentic presence, beckoning us to stop, notice, and feel – just for a moment at least. It invites us to stay longer, encouraging us to sink into the soothing balm it can be. I smile at it now, as I briefly get caught by the flicker of a candle, such a small light, awakening a grand space.

Where today might you experience and feel grace? Are you open to its grandeur? Can you allow it to remind you that life is fleeting, that each moment is a dance, teasing you to smile in awe for just a passing nanosecond. I admire grace, for it never gives up. I respect it for its pure authentic presence and genuine nature. I am in love with its unconditional vibe and commitment. In awe and celebration of its never ending invitation to dance with it, welcoming me into a union that has no beginning or ending – just is….

I invite you today to meet and interact with grace. Allow its presence to soothe the savage beast within, to calm, enhance, light up and spark the grace you are! A.C.T. (always choose truth) within the grace which always flow, for who knows what might unfold.