UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE:

Prince William’s speech to those of Christchurch, NZ was on the news this morning (GREAT speech, by the way). As I was getting ready, I heard him quote his Grandmother. He said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Here is his speech:

“GRIEF IS THE PRICE WE PAY FOR LOVE.”

This quote really sat with me this morning for two reasons:

1. I thought about all of the tragedy going on around in the world (Egypt, Japan, New Zealand and beyond) and how my personal little fight down here in beautiful, sunny South Florida is SO PUNY in comparison. AND BY THAT, I mean REALLY PUNY!! (almost laughing at myself right now..haha).

2. The quote also really SHOOK me! (and I think I needed a SHAKING!)

I am very thankful that growing up I was shown such love and grace from family and friends (Not everyone gets dealt that set of cards!). Prince William (or I should say the Queen) is right, we pay for our deep love of one another with grief. This is not a new concept or the first time I’ve heard it, but it just hit me in the right place at the right time.

I have felt this grief through the storms of life and in the death of my Grandparents whom I loved so very much. BUT - I REALLY felt how I have numbed myself this morning. I have dealt with the pain of the past few years by really pushing love away. Not to say I haven’t recognized this before, but for the first time, I really remember WHY it’s SO VALUABLE to turn that part of me back on. As much as grief HURTS, LOVE FAR OUTWEIGHS that price. We all know our days here on this earth are numbered, and I can’t truly let God’s love shine through me if I won’t allow myself to be vulnerable and truly LOVE – my family, my friends, and most importantly, those who are not.

Not an amazing new concept, something really heavy to chew on, just a REALLY GOOD reminder of HOW MUCH LOVE AND GRACE I HAVE IN MY LIFE! Undeserved (because Jesus paid the price), but SO THANKFUL for it because I don’t deserve it! :o)

I LOVE the song UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE. As I thought about all of this, the song came into my head, and I wanted to share with all of you! I love this version “my chains are gone, I’ve been set free! “

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

Where have you seen God’s grace in your life today?