(G)Leaning on Grace

Watching a child learn to walk, run, climb, slide and fall is exhilarating and exhausting. I mean, where do they get that energy, anyway? At the ripe young age of three, my grandson has already gone through the beginning stages of learning to balance and be independent. Watching as he wobbled his way to standing. Finally letting go and having no support but his own two strong but unstable chubby little legs. Taking that first unsure attempt at a step because there is something just across the room that he just had to have. That tottering step turns into a sudden plop of his bottom onto the floor... Oh, well, he will try again. The almost fearlessness of toddlers as they attempt to get motivating. It's a grand thing to witness. But then, as they grow a little more and come to learn that sometimes those falls don't feel so good. The constant use of the word "no" that they seem to ignore. The beginning of caution buds in their little hearts and minds. S...

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 It is a beautiful day, this Palm Sunday, the week before Easter. As I study this morning, read my devotional and spend time in prayer I cannot help but imagine what may have been happening on this day some 2000 odd years ago. From the Bible we know that Jesus knew what was coming. As he grew from a child he was aware of his purpose, his plan to reconcile the children of God with the Father. In church this morning the choir will be singing a song reminiscent of the hymns of the church. In this song we sing words of remembrance and respect for the sacrifice which was made. Beginning with a more mellow peaceful strain, strengthening in the middle and then building to a joyful end. It is much like the life of Christ on earth. I will be pondering that earthly journey this week as we grow nearer to Easter and the celebration, not just in thankful recogn...