The Gracious Gift

beyond measure
Mercy's Gracious Gift
uplifts our weariness
like wings in
unseen drafts from
Love's embrace                                                                                             
intuitively knowing
it is all unearned
even when we
creatively initiate
we are merely responding
to His Actual Movement
He is the
-Giver
-Leader
-Savior who saves
-Lover who first Loved us
it is His Will we obey
His Direction we follow
His Power we use
His Love we give
His Mercy we offer
in hope-filled anticipation
spreading our wings
confident that
we too shall soar
that Love surely
comes as the dawn
even though we
sometimes linger with
darkened emotions
battered by storms
often beyond our control in
tests of Trust
as those who languished
between the Crucifixion
and the Resurrection
waiting
longing with
questioning expectation
unable to figure it all out
Grace
a Mystical Balm and

Power to ascend
assured by
His Sacred Word
learned by repetitions
that we truly can
rely upon the One
who Lives within
a Force  without
limitations
yet Gentle in offering
an immovable Rock
upon which to
build His Kingdom
not ours
humility's requirement
removes the
bravado of self-reliance-
a deception of our enemy-
rooted in the pride of life
reluctant to let go our
reins of control to the
One who Surrendered all
for us so that we too
could walk in a Freedom
secured by Grace
freely offered
beyond measure

Reflection/Discussion:
-Are we offered Grace if we don't ask for it? Why/not?
-Where is the Gospels do you see Grace offered?
-How does self-confidence relate to Grace?
-Is Grace "felt"? When/why/not?
-What are the hinderances to Grace?
-How do feelings help or hinder our response to trials?
-How can we cooperate with Grace in midst of trials?