For over two years I studied the word "grace". Whenever I would see it in a verse I would dissect the meaning until I felt like I had a better understanding of what was being said. Through this journey, I've realized you can't define nor describe this gift from God - you simply live grace.

Grace is felt when you've messed up for the nth time and yet know you are totally forgiven by God when you ask. Grace is felt when you've struggled with the same sin and yet, you know there's strength helping you overcome. Grace is felt when a poor decision is made and you did not reap the results of that bad choice. Grace is felt when you're tired, weak, and weary from a situation that has literally stretched you beyond your limit and yet you're able to somehow continue. Grace is felt when you've been wronged and you can look at that person with love. Grace is felt when we realize we are all in the same boat - sinners who need God's amazing grace whether we have murdered or hated, whether we have given in to gossip or drugs - we are all the same in our Father's eyes.

Grace is experienced when you see a newborn animal, a baby, or a beautiful rose bud. Grace is experienced when the sun is rising in the morning and setting in the evening. Grace is experienced when you're reunited with an estranged loved one. Grace is experienced when you are finally able to let go of the bitterness and hatred that has filled your heart for so long. Grace is felt when your crying heart is pouring out pain so deep no human could ever comprehend, but the God of your life is holding you, loving you, and in that very moment healing you. Grace is experienced when we no longer let our sins keep us from being who God has called us to be.

Grace is seen when someone repents and asks forgiveness for a wrong they have committed. Grace is seen in the eyes of a momma who has prayed for her child for so long and sees them come to the Lord. Grace is seen so profoundly on the cross where an innocent Man died so that I, a guilty sinner, could freely come into the presence of my Holy God. Grace is seen in a curtain that was torn from the bottom up so that I am no longer separated from the purest, most beautiful love of my Daddy. Grace is seen in the eyes of a God who only sees me as His beloved child no matter what mistakes I have made. Grace is seen when He takes me from where I am to where He wants me to be.

How can parameters ever be put on something so uncontainable . . .