Friday, September 7, 2012

Graceful

*Taking the five minute challenge today*

Go
Graceful. "Showing grace or elegance" is what the dictionary says. Today as I think about that word, I see my favorite childhood story book character- Nancy Drew. She could discover clues, climb under crawl spaces, and catch a criminal all while keeping her auburn hair perfect and her clothes wrinkle free. Occasionally, Nancy had to "powder her nose" or throw on a little lipstick after her adventure, but other than that, she was the epitome of grace.

Maybe that's why I always wanted to be her. I was the opposite, still am, really. There is rarely a moment when my hair is perfect, I can trip over air, I hate to iron so I tolerate wrinkles, and, well, I've never captured a criminal, but when I have had to capture my beagle after he escapes out the front door I need more than a little lipstick to be presentable at the end of my adventure.

As I've matured I've learned being graceful is so much more than outward elegance. It is a way of life. As a Christ follower it is the kingdom life- sacrificing our thoughts, needs, desires, schedules for others. It is to be "full of grace"  because we now carry the identity of our Savior. I fill up on His grace as I live in relationship with him and it will, on those days when I'm living in obedience, flow out to all I come in contact with.

While I have no doubt the word "graceful" in the Nancy Drew sense will never be the first thing that comes to the mind of those that really know me, I will continue striving to wear the title "grace-full" as I reflect the perfect grace of Jesus.

STOP

10 comments:

  1. I loved reading Nancy Drew as well. She was one of my favorites. "As I've matured I've learned being graceful is so much more than outward elegance. It is a way of life." I think it is a blessing to reach that point in maturity. At least, as I'm just starting to reach it, I know it is blessing me. Loved reading this!

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    1. It still a daily process, for sure. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Stopping by from Lisa-Jo's FMF.
    I think all of us (of a certain age!) wanted to be Nancy Drew! I like how you captured the youthful idea and the mature reality of graceful in your life. How comforting it is to know that we all have the ultimate grace inside us!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments!:)

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  3. "Grace-full," full of His grace and beauty inside and out, is definitely what comes to mind when I think of you, friend! It's also something I hope is contagious, along with wisdom and humbleness, that I hope to "catch" from spending time with you. ;)

    Therefore, I was very happy to see your beautiful smile when I scrolled over the Five Minute Friday blog links. :)

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    1. You are too kind. Sure am thankful to have you in my life. :)

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  4. "I fill up on His grace as I live in relationship with him and it will, on those days when I'm living in obedience, flow out to all I come in contact with."

    Yes! That is the kind of graceful I want to be!

    Great post!

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  5. Love to read a post in which somebody mines a word for all it is worth. Good stuff.

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    1. Thank you. That means a lot coming from you. I enjoy your perspective and the way that you share it in your writing..

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