Imparting Grace {2013}

Impart: to communicate, to bestow.

Synonyms: give - communicate - convey - transmit - inform.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace 

to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29

Imparting grace.

I couldn't help but think that these two words would make a good goal for 2013.

I read that passage yesterday morning in a study relating to marriage.

Yikes.

Because honestly, isn't it all too easy to be the least grace-filled in our homes to the people we love the most?

I want my home to be a place where I impart grace.

I want my daily sphere of influence to be a space where I impart grace.

I want this little corner of the blog world to be 

a place where I impart grace.

It starts with the choosing.

And if there is anything I learned in 2012, it is that life is about choosing.

Choosing love over throwing my hands up and walking away, choosing faithfulness to serve when I'm a little (or a lot) exhausted, choosing kindness and compassion when I'd rather choose frustration and indifference, choosing holiness over sin even when it isolates, choosing excellence when mediocrity comes calling.

Choosing to let go and give things to God when I want to hold on too tightly.  Choosing to get up and face each day armed with the Word of God ready to put the needs of my family and the needs of others before my own, and let me tell you, it's not always easy.

But it is what pleases the heart of God and makes me more like Jesus. 

I am certainly still in process.  I don't always do this well.  My heart is not always that of a servant, and I am ashamed to say I sometimes I complain.

As we enter a new year,  I am going to try to make this a theme of my heart and life, the essence of my communication.

Choosing daily to impart grace.

It is sure to be a challenge, but a rewarding one.

2013, here we go.