Word of the Week - Grace

I struggled this week to find the right word to describe it. Thanksgiving ran through my mind, struggle, temptation and then it came to me - Grace.

Grace. What an amazing word. I have heard it mean "God's Riches at Christ's expense." Websters says it means "a virtue coming from God" and "a state of sanctification enjoyed through devine grace." Either way, it is a virtue that comes straight from God - even the dictionary agrees on that!

I have experienced grace from God and from family this week. I had a situation at work that felt like the "friendship" was headed in the wrong direction through words that were spoken. I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to stop the jovial banter before it went any further. The person when confronted was very apologetic.

Then, I had to deal with my guilt. I felt like I had betrayed my husband even though this situation hadn't resulted in sin. I wasn't going to talk to Dave about it because I was afraid he would feel additional pressure to get me out of my work environment. However, after not sleeping for a good portion of the night I decided it was time to chat with him. Enter, Grace.

Dave was incredible gracious. He could have gotten upset. He could have not said anything. Instead, he shared with me his experiences where he could easily fall prey to a similar situation. He was aware of the situations and had set up boundaries so he did not fall into temptation. The conversation did two things for me. One, it allowed me an opportunity to get rid of my guilt by sharing the burden with my husband. Two, it allowed me to see that my husband is just a vulnerable to temptation as I am but he is maturing and recognizes the temptation. I guess there is a third thing too. I feel closer to my husband knowing I can talk with him about these kinds of temptations. He validates me instead of losing trust in me. I really appreciate that.

I have a good hubby and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him regardless of the challenges that come our way. Yesterday, repeatedly the verse that ran through my head was Mark 10:9, "Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate." Oh how true it is.