Now, more than ever, I’m committed to the gift of grace

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word “grace.” It’s a word that stirs something in me every time I hear it — something that gives me hope and reminds me to aim higher.

Living with chronic illness has given this word even more weight for me. Grace has become something I strive to offer, both in my actions toward others and, maybe most importantly, to myself. Yet truth be told, I often fall short, not because I don’t want to extend grace, but because it requires something rare in our fast and demanding world: stillness, quiet, and space to soften.

It’s hard to offer grace when everything feels rushed and overwhelming. Yet I’ve come to believe that it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give, especially when we feel powerless.

Recommended Reading

May 8, 2024 by Bionews Staff

Making the most of life, even after the plot twist of vasculitis

My father was a Lutheran minister, and grace is a big deal for Lutherans. He didn’t live long enough to know about my diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in 2001, but I know he would’ve offered me wisdom about grace in the context of chronic illness.

He also taught me to look up words when they lingered in my mind. He loved to explore definitions, origins, and word roots to better understand their deeper meaning. Naturally, I looked up “grace.”

The first result I found defined it as “courteous goodwill,” and “a kindness, approval, or favor freely given.” Merriam-Webster went further, describing it as “approval, favor,” “mercy, pardon,” “an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency,” and “a temporary exemption,” among others.

My take on this gift

Today, I want to ask a simple question: What if, just for today, you offered grace?

To yourself. To the people you love. To those you’re in conflict with. To people who aren’t living by the four agreements (as outlined in the self-help book of the same name by Don Miguel Ruiz), who aren’t impeccable with their words, who take things personally, who make assumptions, or who fall short of doing their best.

What if you offered grace to, well, anyone and everyone?

I wonder if grace is a bit like loving-kindness meditation, another practice that’s close to my heart. Even if you don’t fully feel it at first, simply speaking words of kindness and mercy can soften something inside you. At least I hope so. I think today’s a good day to try it.

So today, I practice grace.

I offer grace to myself for being unable to do everything I once could, especially as we prepare for having company over, knowing how much more that asks of my wife.

I offer grace to people who disappoint me and who can’t show love the way I wish they would. Today, I choose to see the love they are capable of giving, even if it looks different than I’d hoped.

Today, I offer grace.

And I hope you will, too.

Note: ANCA Vasculitis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ANCA Vasculitis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ANCA vasculitis.