Category: Encouragement

Shade of grace 4

Encouragement

SHADE OF GRACE — PART SIX HOT—Inside and Out

Suffering It happened again—she found herself depleted. Drained by the ongoing drama with her sibling and the vicious cycle of impossible interactions, her frustrations cozied up with anger and settled in for the long haul. Then there was all the immaturity, neediness, and worldliness of the younger folks that attended their weekly gatherings. By the end of those evenings, she felt sucked dry. Barren. Exasperation and exhaustion filled the days following these get-togethers.  A close relative required lots of attention, necessitating hours of her assistance. Although the efforts would bless her and others, the expenditure of time zapped her energy....

7

Encouragement

SHADE OF GRACE — PART FIVE Be Still

THE RIGHT DIRECTION I was headed over to one of my mother’s rental properties to open the recently vacated apartment. Instead of turning onto the street where the duplex is located, I decided to circle the block.  Approaching the stop sign the thought of heading straight came to mind. A street at the top of the hill has charming older homes with gorgeous landscaping that never disappoints.  When I stopped at the sign I heard, in my spirit, “Turn right”. Without hesitation, I did. The next intersection required me to stop and yield to traffic. When I looked left, sandwiched...

6

Encouragement

SHADE OF GRACE —PART FOUR Help In Times Of Trouble

Help In Times Of Trouble DIRECTED STEPS After lugging my terracotta pots to the truck, I went back inside the house to see if my friend was finished at the estate sale. When I didn’t see her, I decided to check out the kitchen again. My first run-through was brisk. The thought of missing an antique bowl or passing up a rolling pin left me eager for a second look. As I stepped into the small kitchen, I noticed another woman perusing the sea of cooking utensils. After a few moments, she spoke. One of those passing comments about estate...