Grace Upon Grace

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Good morning moms!

It’s 6:30 a.m. here and my house is still quiet. The sun is coming up a little later now, but the birds are singing and the wonderful scent of the morning air that comes through my window reminds me stop and breathe deeply. As I fill my lungs with the cool, crisp summer air, I am reminded that I need the quiet—because in a few minutes, there will be 15 hours of … well … not quiet—if you know what I mean.

Mothering requires more grace than we possess, doesn’t it?

I know it does for me. Yesterday was a stark reminder to me of just how much grace I must possess if I am going to be a giver of grace to my children. It seemed that every five minutes I was a referee or a nurse. A water-giver. A toy finder. A butterfly catcher. A spider-killer. An oh-so-daily meal maker. A homework finder. A chore-inspector. A judge.

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You get the idea. I’m a mother.

Want to know the truth?  All I really wanted to do yesterday was to be left alone. For some reason, I felt overwhelmed from the moment the kids came down to breakfast to when the last one went to bed. Sometimes, we just need grace, don’t we?

In John 1:16, we read, ” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

Grace upon grace. This from the One who gave His life for ours as a ransom.

Grace.

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When Jesus came into the world, He introduced a revolutionary new thought to the religious leaders of the day: grace.

They had been in bondage their rules; their lists of do’s and don’ts. Jesus heaped “grace upon grace” toward them—and in doing so, He freed them from their rules. They were set free to follow Jesus out of love and devotion instead of fear.

Because of the grace and love of Jesus, we are free to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I don’t know about you, but knowing this makes me want to be a better wife, a better mother.

Knowing that true grace, undeserved grace comes from God reminds me that if I’m going to give grace, I need to remain close to the one who defines it. I need to stay in the Word. I need to be on my knees.

In just a few minutes, I’ll have my first opportunity of the day to give grace: in just a few minutes, our bleary-eyed toddler will make her first appearance of the day. The same scenarios that played out yesterday will—by the grace of God, play out again today.  I want to greet our children with joy and grace, not because they deserve it necessarily, but because, like me, they don’t.

His grace is humbling, isn’t it? It causes me to want to love and protect those that have been entrusted to my care. What an awesome opportunity—to walk in grace and be blessed by it in return.

Stay connected to the Grace giver,
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This entry was posted in MomStrong Parenting and tagged , on by .

About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

19 thoughts on “Grace Upon Grace

  1. Lori

    I’m new to your blog, but a regular to your posts on FB. Since yesterday and early this morning, I’ve been reading just about everything you’ve posted because it was like you were a fly on my wall writing about EVERYTHING I either felt or was going through. As I have devoured this post, I’m reminded of the very scripture that I meditate daily; 2 Corinthians 12:9. Thank you and may our Father continue to shower His wonderful GRACE upon you.

    Reply
  2. Kitsel

    What a beautifully written reminder…thank you. Feeling the need to be mindful of returning His grace to those around me. Blessings!

    Reply
  3. Rhonda Mendel

    As a working homeschool mom of 3, I can really appreciate your comment “All I really wanted was to be left alone.” So many mornings, the overwhelming responsibilies of the coming day make me want to cower in despair under the covers. But, His grace is sufficient, especially when I am at my weakest! I sometimes joke with my friends that I sometimes can’t walk in the Spirit – but I do a great job “shuffling” in the Spirit! One foot at a time…

    Reply
  4. Joyce

    As I read this, my 7 year old is sitting close by asking me if I’m done checking my e-mail yet so I can read to her. This is a good reminder to extend grace to her right now, get off my computer and go spend some quality time with my daughter….

    Reply
  5. Trina THornhill

    Thank you for these words. I have been struggling for the last two days to me the “everything” to my two girls both under 4. Grace flew out the window a few minutes ago and I had to put myself in a time out. What I really needed was a good spanking :). Instead I got down on my knees and asked God for forgiveness. Took 5 deep breaths and came down stairs. I then apologized to my girls for my outburst and frusteration, for my sin. I then took their little hands and I asked them to bow their heads as I prayed asking God for forgiveness in their presence.

    I am feeling a little overwhelmed, I am beginning Home School in the Fall, my first time. The responsibility of my journey and the importance of my journey has me a little weighted down. Plus I am trying to write a book that God has called me to write. No excuses just where my head is. So once again thank you, your words quieted my spirit! Trina

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  6. BK

    I’m now a grandmother, however I have a new child to care for my husband recently has lost the ability to walk so yes it’s by GRACE that I care for him and about him.
    thanks for the blessing

    Reply

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