Have you ever done something really stupid and wondered how you lived to tell about it? I remember jumping out of a second story window at school when I was in the fourth grade. The teacher had left the room, probably on a much needed potty break. The class had gathered at the long row of opened windows and was looking out at the playground. There were built in book shelves with a wide ledge under the windows. I climbed right up there and launched myself out onto the grass. It was a lot farther than it looked. I remember looking up with a great deal of pride at my classmates and then it hit me. I could be in big trouble for this. I jumped up and ran around to the school entrance and scurried down the hall to my classroom. The kids were all saying things like, “Are you ok?” “Did it hurt?” “Mrs. Bradley is going to be so mad!” I just walked over and sat down at my desk waiting for punishment. I don’t remember hurting, but I do remember being very afraid. The second she walked in the door, everyone was telling her what I had done. She looked at me with wide eyes and said, “Lynna! What made you do such a thing? Are you okay?” “Yes ma’am” I replied. The wrath never came. With her hands on my shoulders and her face close to mine she whispered, “Don’t ever do that again. You could have been really hurt. Do you understand me?” “Yes ma’am.” And that was that. No note to my parents. No trip to the principal’s office. I didn’t even have to sit on the sidelines at recess while the others played kick ball. But I NEVER tried anything like that ever again.
I didn’t get the punishment I deserved. Instead, I was overwhelmed with the care of my teacher. She was obviously concerned about my well-being. I could see it in her eyes. Her gentleness taught me volumes that day. It was a lesson in grace.
I get a lot of grace. I try to be thoughtful. Next thing you know, I have said or done something hurtful. I’m so thankful when folks give me grace. Now if I can just remember to do the same for others.
The Lord gives me a bunch of grace too, starting with His Son.
“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” –Galatians 2:21
This wonderful Almighty God, loved me so much that He put me in right standing before Him, through His Son. Even though He knew about all the stupid stuff, and even willful wrong I would do, His grace is enough to cover it all. How amazing is that? His gentleness and grace teaches me volumes every day.
I have never heard this story! I can’t believe sweet dear sister Lynna would do such a thing. This sounds like something I would do except I would of course get the beating of my life. I was always the kid in the corner!
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Yeah Janice you were ALWAYS in the corner at school. I’m surprised you survived second grade, you little rebel, you! Thank you Lynna for reminding us of God’s grace. I’m so glad Heaven is a FREE gift for those who believe in His Son. I know I’m not good enough to get there. Praise the Lord for His grace–John 3:16!
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Amen!!!! 🙂
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Lynna…… my mouth was hanging open as I read that you actually jumped out of that window…… girl’s got guts!!!! lol……… Thank the Lord for his grace and His angels looking after you that day!!!! Love you
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I think the Lord must have a whole troop of angels designated for me. = )
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go girl!! I cannot imagine you doing that!!! I wish I could have seen your face as you were hurrying back to your class What a special teacher you had!
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