Run the Race with Grace

Last week, while teaching a class at our Church, I tripped over a cord and fell down.  It was not very graceful!  Fortunately, I was not hurt and a new lesson was written on my heart—no matter how well prepared I may be, two feet and the Grace of the Savior are required to run the race with GRACE.

Each of us is called to run a race.  Because our Father in Heaven knows us and loves us unconditionally, our races, as well as the feet we are given to run them, are individually planned.  I have a strong right foot and a dropped left foot—but still, I have two feet.  Because “lefty” is weak, my race requires some patience (Hebrews 12:1), yet, I am commanded to run so I may obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).  I simply cannot put my “best” foot forward—both feet are required to run the race. 

 

Since the reality of my weakness is obvious to all who observe me, others find me most authentic when I acknowledge my trailing foot and don’t just champion the best foot forward by pretending I have two “right” feet.

Clearly recognizing and admitting my weakness coupled with faith in Jesus Christ are essential to obtaining the prize of progression.

‘Just for Today’ I choose to keep my “eye on the prize” by offering both my feet—the right foot and the real foot—to Him.  In and through our Savior, Jesus Christ, I can run this race with GRACE.

Well Be-ing

WELL BE-ING IS THE BEST GIFT

On Christmas Day, we once again watched a home-movie taken by our daughter about ten years ago.  During the traditional tour of the home this daughter interviewed each of her sisters and brothers gathering feedback of their thoughts about her many qualities.  The movie remains our only visual slice of family life—memories at Christmas.  Here in living color, each member of our family was captured on film as they were in that precious moment.  In viewing the person that I was, I have been given the great gift to see my choices and the effect on those closest to me. 

I saw a woman trapped in addictive behaviors—a woman profoundly unhappy.  This emptiness affected every other living person in that home.  For example, after witnessing my fallen countenance, I felt my husband rush in to help with just one more chore.  My behavior also affected our children.  I look back with sorrow that instead of preparing the house, I did not take each child in my arms and in word and deed hold them close.  I fear that my example of unhappiness and martyred sacrifice may be manifested in our children as “responsible” adults.

I cannot go back and change the past—nor do I want to, for each experience has ministered to my education and growth.  However, ‘Just for Today’ I choose to be changed.  I am promised that in and through the Savior, I can be changed.  I believe that as I come unto Him my life and the legacy can be different.  ‘Just for Today’, I choose to live in well be-ing.  Well be-ing suggests that my choices are consistent with who I am as a loved daughter of God.  As His precious daughter I can make choices that allow me to remain in-place with Him.  Yoked with Him and encircled in His love, I am enabled to truly love others.

I have a theory—a theory that my choosing well be-ing is the best gift—for me and for others.  A theory is a work in progress, and I feel to experiment upon this theory by making different choice in this ‘Just for Today’.  I choose to seek Father in prayer and scripture study.  I choose to listen and obey the promptings He may give unto me line upon line.  I choose to trust in His plan for me and to call upon Him for the enabling power of the Atonement to fulfill my mission according to His will. 

The results of this experiment today is that I feel His love and enabling power.  “Freely [I] have received, freely [I choose to] give” (Matthew 10:8).  Tenderly, I feel the promise that the best gift I can give is freely given without compulsion or expectation.  When I am touched by the feelings of others, I can choose to serve from a heart filled with well be-ing.  This choice is made sweet, and I treasure the joy it may bring to another heart.  

Well be-ing is making choices consistent with my authentic self in-place with my Savior. Well be-ing is choosing to do what I can, when I can while maintaining and honoring boundaries.  ‘Just for Today’ well be-ing is the best gift.