in which we reveal our secret for the new year...

something threatens to happen every year the moment the twinkling lights go out.  the moment the ornaments are packed away.  the moment the trees are removed and presents put away.

darkness hovers on the threshold.  begging to drift in. 

just yesterday, two angels made their way home.  straight into the arms of their Savior. 

i knew neither of these women. 
but those who did, tell me both were equally special.

one was fourteen.
the other was in her eighties.

there are children who are missing.  and parents whose hearts are breaking.  there are babies who are sick.  and parents waiting for miracles.  there are marriages that are suffering and bank accounts that are empty. 

there are harsh words that are spoken. 
words that can never be taken back.
there are tempers that are hot. 
burning everyone within distance.
there is bitterness that chokes and anger that suffocates.
there is sadness that shrouds and longing that drowns.

people are hurting. 
all around us.

as i was taking down the Christmas decorations yesterday, i stared long into the twinkling lights.  praying for His light to shine through me in this new year that looms on the horizon.  boldly asking for Him to reveal the hurting and wounded to me, so that my heart can break for things that break His heart.

for the very first time this year, my family is choosing a theme for the new year.  a theme that will guide us.  a motto, if you will.

give grace. 

because who can't use a little more grace? 

Jesus covered us in grace.  

people will fail us.
people hurt us.
people speak harsh words.
people make mistakes.

so this year, we choose to give grace.

to fill the gaps with His abundant grace.
not because of us, but only because of Him.

i've learned over the years that the easiest way to work through your pain is to grace others who are suffering alongside you.

not to lessen our pain, but to focus on the pain of others.  
we are all hurting. each one of us. 

Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.

this coming year, we are braving ourselves to cross over the lines and love like He did.  the memory of His mercy bears weight in our lives.  and we want to share that with others.

we are choosing to do that by giving grace. 
to ourselves. 
and others.

we are nothing, if not weak. 
we rely squarely on His strength. 
for on our own, we are incapable of giving grace.

each time he said,

“My grace is all you need.

My power works best in weakness.”

so now i am glad to boast about my weaknesses,

so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 corinthians 12:9