We all have certain expectations of others, don’t we?
We expect our bosses to treat us fairly.
We expect our friends to return our phone calls in a timely manner.
We expect our spouses to treat us right and fight with us on our side.
We expect our neighbors to keep their yard freshly manicured, just like ours.
We expect the other drivers to observe the same laws we observe and to properly yield to us.
But sadly… no one will live up to our expectations 100% of the time.
We’re going to be let down. We’re going to be hurt. We’re going to be disappointed.
And while our gut reaction is that each let down, each hurt, each disappointment is an opportunity for us to set the other person right — thinking we’re called to be Agents of Correction — what if it was a God given opportunity to show them grace?
We can never when another person’s heart by firing back as Agents of Correction.
When we fire our list or corrections and expectations at others, we’re doing nothing more than building a wedge between us and them.
So, what if instead of looking for ways to correct others (usually in a not so pleasant tone), we looked for opportunities to show grace?
Imagine a world where all Insurgents of Love also saw their calling as Agents of Grace…
People on a mission — looking for every opportunity to drop Grace Bombs on friend or foe, loved ones or strangers…
For the boss who isn’t treating us fairly, we offer a note of encouragement.
For our friend who hasn’t returned our phone, we send an e-mail to let them know we’re thinking of them.
For our spouse, we offer them a break from the norm and an opportunity to relax by themselves or with their friends.
For our neighbor, we offer to take a little extra time to mow and edge their yard as well.
For the other drivers on our commute, we avoid the horn and finger and realize they likely started their day off poorly to be in such a rush — and say a prayer for their safety and the rest of their day.
Be on the lookout today.
Look for each and every opportunity to be an Agent of Grace, rather than an Agent of Correction.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen – Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
