Grace

 Grace

By: Monique Smith 

Last night after after attending a Lecrae concert in Durham, NC. I headed home to Erwin. While I was still on the highway, I decided to call in my order at Waffle House, so when I got there, it would be ready for pick up. I didn't want to make time to wait, because I was really tired AND hungry. About 15 min later, I pulled up to Waffle House, hopped out with my car still running and my lights on-- to run in, pay for my order, and head to my house. To my surprise, when I asked for my pick up order, no one behind the register knew what I was talking about. So they went to the back and found another employee to see if he had my order. He in fact had my order but forgot to inform the cooks to make it. He looked at me and said "Ma'am I am SO sorry! It's been a really rough night". I gave him a tiny fake smile and purposefully tried to look annoyed. Thankfully the Holy Spirit kicked me in my chest right after that, and I fixed my demeanor and engaged the guy in small talk with a genuine smile. It only took about 4 min for them to make my food and I wished him a great night and a better tomorrow. When I got in the car, God reminded me about the principal of Grace. 

At the concert, Lecrae said, "When I see people living life in complete disregard of Christ, I don't look at them and think... Look at that heathen! They are so filthy!... Instead I look at them and thank God. Because the only difference between me and them is GRACE. Who am I that God is mindful of me?!" 

Now I'm not saying that the Waffle House employee didn't have a relationship with Christ because he made a mistake and didn't place my order. That would be silly. The Holy Spirit just reminded me of Grace because of my attitude. WHO AM I to have a attitude or be rude toward someone who made a simple mistake, when God, who is PERFECT decides to give me Grace everyday when I make mistakes ALL the time! Grace is UNMERITED! I don't deserve NONE of it! But it's the ONLY thing that allows me to be presented holy and blameless to my Father! I was so blessed and in tears when that hit me last night. 

Prayer: God you are sooooo good and soooo amazing and sooooo perfect! Thank you for loving me in spite of my constant foolishness! God, continue to infiltrate me with your character and refine me to be person you want me to be. Thank you     for everything! I love you with my inner most being! Thank you for allowing me to accept YOUR life in place of my life! You're the best! In Jesus name, amen!