After a waffle breakfast and morning cup of coffee, I was reflecting on grace this morning. Is it really amazing? Should it be amazing to each of us? I hope these thoughts make your day a little bit more amazing for you or someone you love.

The grace meanings I am focusing on are favor, approval, acceptance, goodwill, generosity, kindness, blessing, thanksgiving and forgiveness. Whether receiving or giving, these are special to experience. G – R – A – C – E can be amazing to think about…

1. G is for Gratitude. My friend Ken Boa often reminds me how important gratitude is. So much so that I usually catch myself when my thoughts drift toward ungratefulness or frustration. Example: I have weeds in my front yard, but I am grateful that I have a house and yard. What could you be grateful for today?
2. R is for Remember. Ken also challenges me to remember. Remember all the good that has happened. Remember what I’ve learned from my mistakes. Remember when things turned out okay when I was worried. Remember God’s grace and forgiveness toward me. Example: Unexpected car repairs strain the budget, but I am remembering past financial provision. What could you remember today?
3. A is for Abide. Many years ago my friend Greg asked me, “If you had to narrow your faith journey down to one word, what would it be?” I thought for a minute and said, “Obey.” And he said, “Abide.” Think about abiding and receiving blessings versus striving and achieving blessings today. Example: I can abide and take the next step that is clear, or I can strive for results I want. Check out John 15:5. What are you pursuing where you could emphasize abiding more than striving?
4. C is for Contentment. I wrote a post about this a few weeks ago (see link below). Example: I can measure where I have less than others (discontentment) or I can count life’s blessings that are priceless (contentment). What is a life area where you could grow in being more content than discontent?      http://stantonlanier.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/contentment-2/
5. E is for Enjoy. This can be tough. My human nature makes me want to earn favor, approval, acceptance, etc. What if instead of bearing the burden of earning, I surrender to an attitude of enjoying moments of grace. Example: When I clean the kitchen for my wife do I seek to earn favor by pointing this out to her? Or, do I surrender it, and enjoy being generous and kind to her whether she notices or not? Where could you shift your perspective from earning to enjoying?

Whether you are on the receiving end or the giving end, grace can be amazing. How could grace be a little more amazing for you or someone you love today? Do you have a story about grace? I would love to hear it and I will respond if you share…