Journeying to Grace

At a church gathering and discussion this week, a young woman offered that when we are a faithful ‘light’ for others, people are attracted to that light. My spirit was lifted by that image. When we try our best to live in the hopeful light of our faith, those around us may indeed be drawn to or encouraged or comforted by that light. How wonderful to be an instrument of the Lord’s goodness in that way. And as I spent some more time with her beautiful sentiment, I was moved to expand it a little by inserting numerous other fruits of our faith. When we are peace or grace or love or hope, we are blessed to be a consolation to others and their spirit.

So often, these invitations to demonstrate and live God’s goodness come in the choices we are presented, and her words took me to a very recent encounter I would like to have back – so I could show more grace and less indifference. I had just completed a volunteer assignment and felt confident about my part in how things went. After the event, someone I don’t know came to me with advice on how to improve. Only it felt more like an insult than a friendly recommendation, and I learned it was simply his preference. The unexpected conversation became uncomfortable, so I didn’t respond with anything too substantial. However, I think he could tell I wasn’t very enthusiastic about his review of my work. As usual, I thought of the ‘right thing’ to say long after this encounter. Except what came to mind wasn’t the right thing and would not have been fruitful or demonstrated the goodness of God. Thankfully, my slow reaction to his comments prevented me from sharing my initial reaction which was certainly not being a light of faith. Later, I reconsidered. This man is very likely a nice person, and he probably thought his comments were helpful even though they did not seem that way.

The young woman’s reflection on being a light in faith, a light for others, reminded me that this small moment was a missed opportunity for me to show grace, engage in a positive conversation, and be a light that perhaps would have helped him in some way that day. In our humanity, we won’t always get it right, but let us pray that we welcome invitations to live the goodness of God and to be light, peace, grace, love, and hope for others.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. (Matt 5:16)