A short story

 I'm working on my book----finally.  I've known for about 15 years that I've had a book to write but I've waited and waited and waited until I truly had a testimony birthed in me.

A life changing event should be exactly that- 'life changing'.  At the onset of Terence's initial diagnoses we prayed that this terminal prognoses would become a journey that would change our lives for the better.  We didn't want this terrible disease to take anything from us, but use it to allow the Lord to give us much. 

He did. He gave us Grace. 

But we are having to to un-tether ourselves from all the worries and strategies and plans and concerns and fears and................

Because grace by definition is a manifestation of God's favor that one hasn't earned, we needed to learn to rest and trust and continue abide in Him regardless the outward circumstances.

 Learning the unforced rhythms of grace is Jesus showing me how to take a real rest in the midst of trouble and trials. Walking with Him and working with Him—keeping company with Him and learning to live lightly without the heavy burdens that life can bring.  Walking in a grace that is (more than) sufficient to get me through the toughest of times.

It' a rhythm of grace that's unforced because it comes from God, who is the giver of grace. It's empowering too, because He is Grace.

Unforced rhythms of grace is much like the life and times of the lotus flower (above). The lotus flower starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly, naturally and gracefully grows up towards the waters surface continually moving towards the light. Once it come to the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower.

I should change my facebook post : "A little discouraging, but the Lord's grace is more than sufficient for us: we are feeling it and are seeing it in ways that we never would if it were not for this rugged road we travel..." to  "This muddy road we travel". 

We certainly are traveling a rugged and muddy road.  But we are learning how to rest in the Lord in the midst of life and death situations- and hopefully we, like the Lotus flower will gracefully and naturally to push through the muddy waters, on toward the light (Jesus) and blossom. 

Which is what we asked for. To be changed. 
Sometimes it takes muddy waters.

Blessings,

Sherry