What we cultivate is what we’ll give to those around us.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

Ever had your grace stolen? She was driving along, she glanced at the car to her right, he had a stop sign and was stopped. She had none, but chose to stop and give him way. He smiled and waved his thanks, the car behinds her honks in irritation. She pays the “the honker” no mind. She continues on her journey, “the honker” (who could have moved into another lane) continues behind her. She puts on her indicator to get into the left lane, as she makes her way into the far left turn lane, “the honker” honks angrily wanting to get into the same lane. This agitates her. She starts to second guess, she wonders what she has done wrong. She had followed all the road rules, why is the driver behind her so irate? She continues to ponder the stupidity of it all. Pondering, leads to anger. She starts to talk about “the honker” in an unfavorable light. Now every driver on the road irritates her in the same way she irritated the honker. As I watch this unfold, it hits me that she started the drive with an attitude of grace, demonstrated by her willingness to let someone go, even though she had the right not to. What happened? Remember my opening question? Here’ the answer, your grace can’t be stolen. You have to choose to give it away, same goes for joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, and self-control. No one can take them, no situation can render them useless, only WE (you and I) have the power to give them away, by choosing to not use them. I reminded her of this (that did not go over well… 🙂 ).  Later as we continue the drive, she simply says, “I know”. No one can take your joy from you (no matter what you face). Joy is not based on your circumstances it is an attitude of the heart. Next time you’re faced with a HONKER choose to keep you grace.

“No one can take My life from Me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what My Father has commanded” (John 10:18).

So what’s my plan of attack? No matter the weather I face, I will choose to hold firm to my peace.