This Week's Quotation:
Grace is not a strange, magic substance which is subtly filtered into our souls to act as a kind of spiritual penicillin. Grace is unity, oneness within ourselves, oneness with God.
~ Thomas Merton
Imbued with Grace
Terri McCartney
I’ve often heard it said (and have said it myself), By the grace of God… These words are typically followed by an account of how one avoided an unpleasant experience. I suspect we can all relate.
Ahhh. Grace is that delicious energy that transforms a moment into something that enlivens our heart. It can be as simple as another’s smile, the sun on our face, or witnessing the first spring crocus sprouting through the snow.
It can also be more profound. For example, I feel grace has been slowly but surely guiding me throughout my life when I did not know enough to take even one tiny step by myself.
While it’s often hidden, I’ve learned that there is grace in every situation. I find that I miss perceiving grace when I insist that things be to my liking. Once I release that demand, grace is revealed.
Certainly, there’s grace in all words and actions motivated by love and those that honor the inherent dignity of all life.
Any moment of unconditional, loving “YES!” welcomes grace. As do all those soul-shaping moments of choosing love over fear, forgiveness over anger, or compassion over judgment.
Like love, grace only asks that it be allowed because it is inherent to all life. We each can perceive the great cosmic grace in everything. As Thomas Merton reminds us, grace is unity, oneness with ourselves, oneness with God.
How blessed we are to be imbued with grace, traveling through this life together, bringing oneness into the illusion of separation!
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Merton and McCartney! Right up there with Lennon and McCartney. a toast to Grace! THANKS, Terri. Love, Tom
Amazing Grace How Sweet it Is!!!!
That unconditional, loving “YES” changes us so quick and welcomes grace so sweetly. Thank you, Terri, for gracing our friendship and our world.
Yes, as Thomas Merton says, Grace is unity, oneness within ourselves, oneness with God. And it is also oneness with all other human beings on the planet, and this gives us the opportunity to spread it through our shared creative field to the entire body of humanity. Thank you, Terri!