Grace
Grace is a often used as a theological term that refers to a divine influence that helps to inspire virtuous impulses and impart strength to endure trials and temptation. Grace is love and mercy given to us by God. It is not earned. It is given. Grace is unmerited. Grace is unconditional. Grace is inexhaustible. Grace is a gift that can be shared because it was extended to us freely. God’s grace is a gift we open daily.
Regret
Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda. We all have some things we regret. We all have some things we wish we would have done differently. Since time travel is not possible, we have to live with those mistakes. We have to glean the lessons and chalk them up as life experience. Every experience is not going to be positive. Every opportunity is not going to the end they way we may think it should, and that’s ok. Regret is a part of life. We just have to make sure we don’t live there. Forgive yourself and others.
Just
To be just has taken on a drastically different meaning since I have gotten married. It is no longer about who's wrong or who's right. Fair is no longer the moral standard. Compromise supersedes fairness. Humility trumps being right. Silence in some cases has become my portion. God is my judge and prayer is the jury. To be just is not just about justice, but inclusive of God's grace and mercy. Thank God that we do not have to suffer all of the consequences of our actions. Thank God for the grace of God. Thank God that he is just and forgiving, and merciful, and mindful.
Forgive
Forgiveness is for you. It doesn't mean that you will forget. It doesn't mean it will stop hurting, but it does release you. Forgive so that you can be forgiven. Forgive because it takes more to hold onto it. Forgive because you have been forgiven. Forgive because unforgiveness may be blocking your blessing. Forgive so that you can be free.
Love Works
I facilitated a Lunch and Learn series at my old job based on the book, "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leadership" by Joel Manby. The principles in this book are based on the biblical principles of love discussed in 1 Corinthians: patience, kindness, trust, unselfishness, truth, forgiveness, and dedication. For eight weeks, we discussed and brainstormed strategies on how to improve the workplace and implement the principles of Love Works. Each week, it became clearer that I worked in a toxic environment with ineffective leadership that had no desire to let love work. How many of us work and live in toxic environments? How many of us refuse to let love work because of fear? I learned that Love Works when you let it. Love Works when you are willing to do the work. Love Works when you let go of fear and doubt and insecurity. Love works when you trust. Love works when you believe that love truly does cover a multitude of sins. Love works when you let love conquer all.