This week I had the opportunity to experience several moments of Grace, and it wafted a sweet fragrance…Petrichor?
After what seemed like an eternity wondering what my next career move might be, I landed in the hospitality industry. I work beside people who consistently challenge me outside my comfort zone; our lives are different, our experiences and expectations as far as East is from West, and yet we are the same…children of a Loving God. How I interact with them is the manifestation of the Something within me, and my children are watching.
Some days, as a function of poor planning or unfortunate traffic or timing, there is not enough time to pack breakfast and/or lunch to carry me through work days that routinely stretch 10-12 hours. I am grateful for a supportive husband and children sufficiently independent to take what I’ve set up and make dinner, offer suggestions, taking care not only of themselves, but often of me. Thank You, Lord, that You blessed us to set good examples. I am mostly confident that they will grow up, do well, and be successful human beings. They are considerate (mostly), loving (usually), and collectively minded. My Beloved and I do are best; our children are watching.
I ate breakfast at my desk yesterday morning. My morning routine includes walking the hotel, checking in with departments in pursuit of that sacred first cup of joe (don’t judge, coffee can be a sacrament). God knew I needed breakfast, so when the chef inquired if I liked pancakes, I said yes (I do.) Apparently she mixed batter for two orders rather than one and didn’t want to waste…and then there was the turkey bacon they’d been chatting about. I could’ve said no, but I considered something I’d been taught, that being sometimes you need to be gracious when someone offers to bless you. I went back to my office and shortly after, another chef popped into my office with an offering that took my breath away. I was thankful. Momentarily I thought, “Why this?” My answer came almost immediately, as someone walked by my office who needed this more than me; I cut in half the gift I had received. We broke bread together.
Therein lies the lesson.
Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over–will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 HSCB
Breakfast, lovely as it was, was never about me; it was an opportunity, and (as is the case with every interaction) my children were watching. Every step, every action we take in life begs the question…Am I my sister (brother)’s keeper? Do I live in a state of Grace-grateful for today’s blessings, mindful of yesterday’s challenges and dependent upon Him alone for tomorrow, like the lilies of the field.
At the beginning of this year, I defied myself to embrace my life as a watered garden,
…like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11 ESV
clear that without water, without Living Water, we all die, and it’s not just about me. It’s about sharing the water, even if you are alone at the wellspring when the waters come, because each of us is our sister (brother)’s keeper. And our children are watching.