In the past 24 hours, many people have commented that I have persevered with such grace or have prayed a blessing of grace over me, since I have shared with my friends an update on my health status. The word grace has leapt out for me and I find myself grateful, so utterly grateful, for amazing grace. I have prayed for months that I may find grace for what I must face. In tough moments, I have not asked for the cup to be removed, but for the grace and strength to accept the moments that are before me.

I sense that precious word has a gift for me yet. Sometimes we cannot see our own trailblazing, and it is only afterwards, when we look back we are surprised to see behind us a following of people who have found courage in the steps we have taken; we look ahead with joy, and see those cheering us on to this place; we look beside with gratitude to those who have run with us, each crucial stride forward. We forget to look within because we were so focused on running the race, that we did not see the fortitude and grace that propelled us forward.

My faith has slowly shifted over the past decade or so while I have directed the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises. I have learned to see God in all things and I know that the lessons I am learning this year will be grace-filled. I am humbly seeing the great and beautiful gift of Ignatian spirituality in my life during this time. I recognize how my life is in God’s great hands and therefore I am in good hands. Grace comes packed in tissue paper, sprinkled with glitter and wrapped with a steel ribbon. Grace has a vulnerability and softness to it while at the same time a joy and beauty that take my breath away. Grace is encased by strength.

I am saved by a great God who helps me to see goodness in all things, a God whose grace is sufficient for each one of us. I can only cry out with tremendous joy that I am here in this state because God’s grace has led me here.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions:

What does grace look like to you?
Where has grace appeared in your Life?

Prayer

Amazing Grace, gently bestowed on us,
packaged in brightly-coloured tissue paper,
sprinkled with golden glitter that catches the Light,
and wrapped with a steel ribbon.
Amazing Grace,
you humble me
and I receive you
with immense gratitude.

Amen.