Monday, February 16, 2009

Failing Grace

We are all human and we all deal with weaknesses and issues, but sometimes, it’s so hard to live out grace. It takes extra effort to treat others as we would like to be treated. I wish I could say that I am as graceful as they come, but that would be a huge lie. It’s easy to talk about grace and preach it; however, it is a lot harder to live it day in and day out. I don’t have it all together, but I do know that God is helping me pick up the pieces. Through Him, I am learning how to live in grace... even when I fail on a consistent level. One step forward, two steps back.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Loving

No one will ever love you the way they "should." I think this is why so many people are so miserable in their relationships. We put "shoulds" onto other people and then get all upset when our expectations aren't met.

People will let you down, not because they are selfish and bad, but because they are human. They will think about themselves and do what is best for them most of the time, even if it doesn't look like that's what they're doing. Sometimes they will just make poor decisions and choices. In order to really love, I think we have to allow for that. We are our own responsibility. We might love someone and share with them for a while, but ultimately, our happiness is on US.

I have loved so many people who didn't love me back the way I thought they should have. And I have been loved and been incapable of returning the love the way someone else thought I should. In some ways, I think it hurt more to be the one who wasn't loving enough.