One of the listed definitions for grace that you will find in Webster’s dictionary is “a temporary exemption: reprieve.”  This explains exactly how I feel about why I didn’t die the night of my accident and why I always say I was given grace that night.

Oddly enough, this word keeps popping up in my life.  As I sat one Sunday in church, our pastor started talking about the biblical meaning of our names and how every name has a biblical meaning.  You can look them up in many ways, and they will stay very consistent.  So, of course, I grabbed my phone right after churched and Googled “The biblical meaning of Anna”… Grace.  My heart skipped a beat.

Finding grace in each of us

One definition I love listed in Webster’s dictionary is “ the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.”  Our community came out of the woodwork during our time of need, showing us grace.  The cards, calls, gift cards, flowers, visits in the hospital.  And once we came home a food train, so the last thing my husband had to think about was what’s for dinner.  It was overwhelming!  This is a good reminder for us to pour grace onto others.

In this new season of life, learning to live at a slower pace has been a very hard challenge for me, along with learning how not to overdo it one day and pay dearly the next.  Another definition of grace listed in Webster’s dictionary is “Approval, Favor.”  Giving ourselves approval to rest is so tricky as women, and then we have no other choice!  After four years, I can say I think I’m starting to get the hang of it, but you might want to ask my husband what he thinks.  So, next time you are feeling weary, give yourself grace.

Whether you’re giving, receiving, or needing grace, we all could use a little of it.

Anna

References 

Grace Definition & meaning (no date a) Merriam-Webster. Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grace (Accessed: 07 October 2023).