Where Grace Lives

A significant excerpt from "Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul" by Angela Thomas...

How to Know Where Grace Lives

~ All the neighborhood kids want to hang out at the house where grace lives. There is more dirt to be swept, there are more snacks to be made, and the grass doesn't grow outside the back door or under the swing. But the kids show up, hang out, and get loved where grace lives

~ There is always enough for one more where grace lives....one more for dinner....one more to sleep over....one more hug....one more kiss.

~The dust may be a little thicker on top of the TV, and the closets a bit cluttered, but hearts have been tended where grace lives. Family management has become the tool instead of the goal. Schedules matter, but souls matter more.

~The lights are on late where grace lives. Grace stays up to listen, hug in the dark, and wipe away tears of disappointment and pain.

~ You can see people dancing where grace lives, because moms hang up the phone, turn up the music, and dance over victories of their children. Sometimes the children just watch from behind their cereal and "catch" the grace of a silly mom.

~You can hear things like, "Please forgive me, I was wrong....I'm disappointed, but I love you...You are my treasure...You are a blessing...let me pray for you."

~ The eyes of the children where grace lives shine with joy and anticipation. They have not been wounded by impossible expectations. They have not been distanced by rejection. They have been embraced and accepted and loved.

~ The moms at the house where grace lives are just regular, everyday moms, but God lives inside them. By His power, they are becoming holy and righteous and good. They stumble but recover quickly. They make mistakes but say, "I'm sorry." They get blown by the winds of heartache and adversity, but their hearts remain tender toward God.

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O, Lord, please let OUR homes be full of grace and God's love!