A Special Act of Grace

Joy and contentment can seem so very elusive at times. Two weeks ago, there was a tragic accident in our neighborhood. His name was Bradley. He was 8 years old, and he was riding his bike to school for the very first time. His Mom was following to make sure he made it safely. He did not. This evening there will be a memorial at the Coto Sports Park to celebrate the short life of a child who was described as a sweet young boy with a kind and generous spirit. A boy who loved flowers and despite his young age, made the effort to create flower arrangements to raise money for charity.

I usually wake up joyful and happy, but sometimes events in our world make that hard to do. When tragedy strikes, I try to remember that it’s not for me to understand why bad things happen. My responsibility, as a father, grandfather, husband, and friend is to know that sometimes things are beyond my understanding, and that I need to be an example to those around me of how faith creates strength, and strength can be shared.

I read somewhere that it requires a special act of grace to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life. A special act of grace that will give us an even mindfulness through every circumstance and help us to find joy when everything around us screams sadness. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people. But I do know that joy and contentment are not found in circumstances. They are only found through faith and trust in God above. That I am sure of.

So this morning when I woke up, I prayed for the family of young Mister Bradley. That their memories would be long, and that their grief would be short. And that somehow they would eventually be able to find joy in their lives despite their terrible loss. And as I prayed, I remembered that our heavenly Father knows what it’s like to lose a son, a son who also took joy in flowers, just like Bradley.

Contentment is not found in circumstances. 

Contentment is found in a Person, the Lord Jesus.

~ From “Diamonds in the Dust” by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joy

By Donna Ashworth

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare, on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.

Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee, watching the sun hit your favorite tree just right.

And you usher joy away because you are not ready for it.

Your house is not as it must be for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home, or your bank balance, or your waistline you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life, that’s how joy works.

You cannot invite her in, you can only be ready when she appears. And hug her with meaning,

because in this very moment joy chose you.