Grace has so many facets…..so many gifts for us….so much to offer us! Grace allows us the freedom to be real, authentic, and vulnerable. When we understand more of who we are in Christ and His enormous love for us, it becomes easier for us to be real with each other-and that is when true relationship takes place. We spend so much time, energy, and effort trying to “keep up our image”, trying maintain control of our circumstances and those around us and that is exhausting; not to mention impossible to accomplish!
What does all this have to do with my mother in law and her birthday….well, she is one who is real, vulnerable, and authentic. Today is her birthday and she is having a tough day and it has nothing to do with being a year older because, quite honestly….I think she really, truly is “over all that” nonsense. There were bigger issues on her mind. As she ate lunch with us she was free to be herself, free to not have to act like a super, spiritual giant that has everything under control. That freed her up to “loosen up”, laugh with her family and allow her own children to encourage her to help her get through the day. She may have some tough circumstances right now, but she knows her God, she knows who she is, and who she belongs to and that is enough for her. She knows Grace Himself intimately…..she loves Grace and Grace knows and loves her. She knows she is secure in Grace and knows that Grace will provide for her. She knows that Grace is in control of her circumstances and the people around her. She even knows that Grace will thoroughly work all things together for her good and His Glory.
Now that’s my mother in law. Just by being in her presence, she makes me want to be better – to be the best person that I can be – to desire to be all that God intends for me to be. Yes, I know some of you may be flipping out that someone can actually say they have a mother in law like that. Well, you see, I prayed for a long time for a “wonderful, spirit filled mother in LOVE” and she was worth the wait! Even when I struggle and fall back in my legalistic ideas of living, she speaks grace to me and loves me just the way that I am and accepts me as one of her own – no rules, no expectations (maybe except to love her son-ha-ha), no requirements. She just loves.
You may be wondering who my mother in law is. Well, because of who she is and her humility she would not want her name mentioned in something like this. If you know her you would agree with me. She would only want your prayers and for you to come and get to know this man who changed her life – Grace Himself – Jesus Christ. She would tell you that when you experience Him and hear what He has to say about you – you would fall in love with Him immediately. So, what are you waiting for….”Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
So….to a wonderful, spirit filled “Mother In Love”…..Happy Birthday! If I could turn out to be just half of what you and my own mother are like…..wow…..that would be awesome! I am so blessed!
Dana