It is the surprising nature of grace that I forget. Quick to correctly define grace as being God’s gift, a blessing, undeserved, I look past other aspects. Grace is amazing and it is sobering, but it is also surprising.
Last week Eric and I went on a little excursion to downtown Charleston. We realized that we needed a day out and that we had not taken many pictures since moving here. While I am thankful that my husband enjoys looking at me from behind a camera lens, most days I am a reluctant model. This day was different. We pranced around the “Holy City” full of alluring charm. Reluctant to yet call it ours, we enjoyed being hopeful strangers.
After sharing biscuits at HLB (Hot Little Biscuits) and nearly dying from deliciousness, we walked to the corner of Ann and King Street where Eric hesitated and asked if I wanted to pose again. As I attempted to ‘work it’ without feeling like a weirdo, out of nowhere, I mean nowhere, this woman appeared and charged towards me. I thought she was angry. And then the most amazing thing happened. She popped her hip, looked at the camera, and taught me how to ‘do diva’ Charleston-style.
It was a surprise, and it made me laugh the laugh of letting go. That burst of something within, something unknown that extends to joy–it was like grace. Usually we view the upshot of grace as tears of thanksgiving, as knees bowed in humility. But some days, grace is the catalyst of laughter. Some days, grace is an explosion of your presuppositions, and it throws you into tremendous, tremendous joy. Throw your head back, grab your stomach, and feel the tremors of His love. Let them move you.
Our Father is a steady one, but He is also full of surprise parties.
Keep the Faith,
Audrey Ann When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. (Psalm 126:1-3)
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