Archives for November 2015

Eugene Peterson begins his book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by saying, “This world is no friend to grace.” As I read that opening line, I wondered, “Am I a friend to grace? Do people think about me as a person who is a friend to grace? Is the community I am a part of a friend to grace?” I disappoint people consistently. Failure happens in my life. I mistake names, miss opportunities, and heap coals upon myself and others for poor interactions. Grace seems to be an elusive friend, like the friend who consistently invites me to dinner, but I find reasons to miss or reschedule. I busy myself with lots of things to keep from meeting with grace. I’m not sure why. Maybe I can chalk it up to my own depravity. That seems easy enough. Perhaps I never saw it modeled properly. Who knows. I don’t know grace very well, but Peterson convinces me I should get to know her, and the community I am a part of would benefit from knowing she who doesn’t ask for something in return for her presence, and shows favor because she believes that is the faithful action of a community called by Jesus Christ. Are you a friend to grace? If so, or maybe you want to be, call me, let’s get coffee and talk. See you at church and around town.