Had a conversation
with one of my daughters last night about extending grace and the effect it can
have on the other person. We are a blended family still in the steps of
learning each other so issues arise. One issue that seems to keep resurfacing
is communication. While my husband and I both have similar goals for our
children, our methods and modes aren’t always the same. As we adjust and put
new tools in our belts our children also are learning to adjust. So back to the
extending grace conversation….
My husband
and our youngest had gotten in a battle of the wills…needless to say E is a bit
like her momma and is very independent and out spoken. Not bad qualities to
possess in some situations… this was not one of those situations, so the battle
was on. At the end of it, they both were upset and in their rooms. Here is my
take away………you cannot, not matter how much you try, change the way someone
acts. You cannot yell them into submission or guilt them, but you can extend
them grace. Let go of your pride, choose your reaction, and apologize even if
you don’t FEEL like it but it’s the right thing to do. By extending this loving
principle to those we are frustrated with we show them another avenue, another
way to communicate. Do it over and over and its benefits are two-fold.. ONE- The
grace extender gets to reflect the grace and love we receive from our God and TWO-
The grace receiver gets to see love in action and benefits from the act of acceptance.
Who knows over time things just might change.
Have a blessed day- Jayley
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