Grace…

Grace is something I have always found easier to give other people than myself. If someone I love makes a mistake, I can understand. If they are tired, overwhelmed or struggling, I can make allowances. When I am the one struggling, apparently a completely different set of rules applies.

I expect myself to handle things. To be strong. To keep moving. To work, take care of my family, manage responsibilities and somehow still have enough energy left to paint a masterpiece.

That is ridiculous when I actually write it down.

There are days when I do not paint. There are days when I am tired. There are days when my best is simply getting through what needs to be done. I am learning that none of those days erase the progress I have made.

Painting has taught me grace in small ways. Sometimes the paint is too wet. Sometimes I am tired and my hands do not cooperate. Sometimes I need to walk away from the canvas and come back tomorrow. The painting will still be there.

So will the rest of my journey.

I am trying to give myself permission to be a work in progress. Not every day has to be productive. Not every painting has to be beautiful. Not every decision has to be perfect. Sometimes grace is simply saying, “That was enough for today,” and believing it.