Let’s Start with Grace

When a word continues to cross my path, I often feel like it is politely trying to introduce itself to me but I am too busy to notice. After several attempts, the message finally gets through. Lately, the word grace has popped up over and over, so I decided to give it some attention.

Grace is a holy word, but it is also a woman’s name. It sometimes starts a meal as we bow our heads and say grace. It’s what I think people are really asking for when they say, “Hey, I just need a break!” Grace creates images of swans on water and ballerinas on point. Some bills offer a grace period. Sometimes a person’s words arrive wrapped in grace. Those are the best kind.

The word nerdy part of me reaches for the dictionary and a variety of sacred texts as I try to give form to this word – grace. Webster’s covers it all. Grace is poise, special favor, mercy, being considerate or thoughtful, a virtue coming from God.

This is how I see it. Grace is something that comes as gift from the Divine and brings wholeness, liberation, salvation. Because it is rooted in deep compassion, it invites, calms, and opens up tight spaces. There is a beauty that is felt if not seen. It is the quality that creates safe and brave spaces where we can all live together as our truest selves. Grace gently touches our shoulder, softly takes our hand, and says it’s ok to breathe.

Thinking about how wonderful it feels to receive grace compels me to be one who offers it to others. In so doing, we step into a beautiful flow that is rooted in authentic love. May we all receive grace: may we all offer it freely to others. May we start each day, each interaction, each activity, each conversation with Grace. Let’s start with grace.

Cherie Shaw, CPE Intern