Grace is such a loaded word. It comes with it religious pictures that we’d sometimes like to forget. However there are times in which the clarity of grace is unmistakable. The ways in which his unmerited love showers over us and we get it–it seems for the first time. Not that we haven’t experienced eternal grace through Christ, but the daily moments of redemption that give us joy are often overlooked. Perhaps it is the sunshine breaking through the cold day or the laugh of a child. Whatever the gift might be, a perspective of heaven is given. Joy. Peace. Love.

I experienced this Sunday through a college student that made a decision to follow Christ. She had been the object of much prayer and invitation by her sorority sister who brought her to church. At the end of the “talk” I invited all who wanted to invite Jesus in their life to raise their hand and repeat “the prayer”. There was one hand I did see, but not hers. The girl that invited her called me the next day excitedly telling me about her sister’s decision. “She told me that she wasn’t sure you saw her hand. She asked me if hers counted? I laughed and assured her that she was now forgiven and was known in heaven.”

I was struck at the innocence of heart. “Did mine count?” I snicker to myself every time I think of that question. With the simple declaration of need and belief, true grace was given. With all the ways in which we complicate the gospel and the kingdom, this young woman was confirming what we often forget–nothing more is needed. The strain and worry and dread of tomorrow has been removed by the grace that Jesus offers so freely!