Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Grace Rarely Makes Sense

So, we're getting ready to embark upon a few months that are going to require a great deal of grace on our part as parents. Mike will most likely move home, John will be not doing too much because he thinks he is heading to jail, and Salinda and the baby will come home not wanting to be there. I know that dealing with all this is going to take some effort on my part.

In the introduction to the book, "The Shack," I found these words by William Paul Young:
Grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.
Whenever we ask anyone it seems their advice is for us to kick kids out or not let them move back in, or to stop providing this or that. The idea that we continue to offer grace doesn't make sense.

And you know what? I'd say the same thing to someone else in my situation as I looked from the outside. Be tougher, save yourself the hassle, take care of you.

But it's grace folks. That unmerited favor that God extends to us. Sometimes we have to say no -- we have to protect ourselves and the other kids -- but at this point it's not about danger. So they're coming back and we're going to extend grace and see how it goes.

And we don't expect it to make sense to anyone else.

3 comments:

GB's Mom said...

It makes since to me. MK had another night of making GB and I miserable and the rational part of me says kick her out- She is 24 and I don't have to put up with her anymore. But God's unmerited grace is given to us and we pass that grace unto MK. It does not need to make sense to the outside world. It just has to feel right to us.

Treasured Grace said...

Amen, thanks for the reminder! And good for you and hubby for doing what your Father wants you too not what other people say. It sure is hard though. I'll keep praying for your family

Heather of Swallowing A Moose said...

Good for you! You answer to the Lord...not the masses.

Grace is what saved the worst of us. An it's what will save your kids too! God doesn't open our eyes a moment too soon. He know's at what point to reach each of us that will ultimately transform us for eternity.

I'm not a mother yet but it's coming via adoption throught the state of FL. An i'm sure i'll be in a similar boat someday. God's grace will work in it's time for my coming children too.

By the way, this is coming straight from the mouth of a former rebellious brat herself. Who the Lord drew to His mercy & grace at the time He knew would change her for eternity and it worked! :)

Being Loved, with you, By Him,
Heather