Quiet Reminder; Somewhere along Katy Trail, Boone County MO.

Grace comes quietly. It comes through the mail, it comes with gentle words, it comes through a melody. It comes upon asking and unasking alike, and in ways unexpected. But markedly, it always comes. For this I am unboundedly grateful.

I would like to share with you loving folks some ways of grace I have experienced here lately. Because this week may get a little rough (finals due on Saturday), and I have the feeling I will need some shining reminders that grace is always present and waiting for us to accept its soft embrace. Here are some of the ways I have felt grace this last week:

It comes through the mail-- On a particularly rough day last week I was sitting upstairs in our bedroom writing in my journal about how grumpy I was feeling. Josh was getting ready to run an errand, but before he left he checked the mail. He came back inside and said I got a package from one of my dearest friends. I sat at the top of the stairs and opened something so sweet and thoughtful my day completely turned around, my grumpies disintegrated and I felt hopeful again! There was a book of poetry by Maya Angelou which has been so healing to my soul, there was a disc of music by Maria Callas, there was the most recent edition of Bust magazine, and there was such a stunning and heart-filling card that I felt wrapped in so much comfort I felt that I could go on with my held held higher than 15 minutes earlier in the day. Thank you dear friend, I love you.

It comes with gentle words-- In my previous blog post I mentioned some of my distress in life and asked for advice. The words of wisdom that were returned to me were so stunning and full of goodness I revisit them often and put their messages into practice.

It comes in asking and unasking alike-- There have been many, many times in the recent months that I have cried out for grace, and it comes, always. Not long after my prayers peace noticeably follows. I'll remember to partake in some self care, I'll pick up a book that gives me hope, my heart will remember some honest truths... In some way grace comes and I'm starting to become more and more keen to its subtle, gentle ways.

It comes in ways unexpected-- Yesterday I read a tweet by Goddess Leonie that read, "Normal People won't change the world. We Will. http://www.freakrevolution.com." I followed the link and what I found there was so grace-FULL my heart instantly filled up with so-much-hope! 

It comes through a melody-- I saved this one for last so I could leave you with a song. A beautiful song composed by two beautiful individuals that never ceased to speak grace into my heart. I was lucky enough to see Trevor perform this song live at a local venue here in Columbia a couple months ago. It was stunning. I hope you enjoy it. (To listen to more of Trevor's inspiring music visit his myspace.)

Here is wishing you a week fill with grace, peace, and joy! I would love to hear the ways in which grace is working in your life, so if you feel inclined please do share! SO much love <3.