I got an unexpected gift yesterday. I was expecting some books that I had ordered, and when there was a box on the porch that was about the right size, I just assumed it was the books. But when I brought the box inside, instead of being from the company I expected, it was from a new friend, a member of the Via de Cristo team that I had just served on. I knew the lady so well, I’m still not sure which person this is.
    When I opened the box, there were two Charlotte Bobcat hats and two Charlotte Bobcat t-shirts. She knew from one of the talks that I had given, that I was a big sports fan. She had a contact with the Bobcats and got them to give her some stuff, the hats and t-shirt that she then sent to me. I was amazed. It was the last thing that I had expected.
    It reminded me of God’s grace. God’s grace comes to our lives in unexpected ways. God’s grace comes even when we don’t deserve it. God’s grace surprises us. God’s grace is a free gift.
    What do you do to remind others of God’s grace? This lady reminded me of God’s grace with a couple of t-shirts and hats. We who know God’s grace and love should be doing everything we can to remind others of His grace and love. We live in a world where others have trouble feeling and believing that God is a God of love. We live in a world where so many people don’t think that anyone can love them. We live in a world where love, kindness, joy and peace are in short supply.
    You know God’s love and grace as it is shown to you in the cross. Live that love and grace to others so that all might know the joy of God’s love.

 In His love,

Pastor Gary