Unfortunately, it is a rare occasion when I have a telephone conversation with one of my four brothers. Today, I was graced with the opportunity to speak with two of them… and the best part about it is that none of our relatives had to die to initiate these conversations. (I know that sounds harsh, but that is what usually has to happen to bring us all together.) It’s not that we don’t like each other (I don’t think) it’s just that we’re all so busy and so far apart from one another. At least that’s the case for my lack of communication.

I love my brothers. Each one of them is very different from the others… Unique in personality and lifestyle. I won’t lie to you and say that we’ve always gotten along… on the contrary. But at least now we have a little more respect for our differences. After losing both of our parents, I think we’ve all learned that life is too short for hatred and anger. (But we still leave a little room for irritation.)

So today, I recognize the grace of family and siblings. I also acknowledge the fact that I could certainly participate in that grace a lot more often if I would just pick up the phone and dial. Email is nice… but it’s really great to hear a voice that you love every once in a while.

You gotta love Google.  An entire world of information is right at your fingertips.  I’ve always believed that a person doesn’t need to know everything, they just need to know where to go to get the answers they need.  As much as the Internet and Google are tools for that endeavor, I think sometimes it just makes it a bit more confusing.  In my case… I realize I still have a lot to learn and understand about grace.  There are so many different opinions.

Many understand that grace is unmerited favor, and that is true. Grace, however, is much more than unmerited favor.  Grace comes from the Lord and is simply the God-given desire and the power to do God’s will.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is kindness from God we don’t deserve. There is nothing we have done, nor can ever do to earn this favor. It is a gift from God.

Grace is divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration (rebirth) or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine favor.

Then I went on to read that there are two different kinds of grace.

Sanctifying grace stays in the soul. It’s what makes the soul holy; it gives the soul supernatural life. More properly, it is supernatural life. Actual grace, by contrast, is a supernatural push or encouragement. It’s transient. It doesn’t live in the soul, but acts on the soul from the outside, so to speak. It’s a supernatural kick in the pants. It gets the will and intellect moving so we can seek out and keep sanctifying grace.

Then I found arguments between the Protestants and Catholics.

Grace is perhaps the most misunderstood concept in Christianity. Both Protestant and Catholics often do not comprehend the full significance of this wonderful reality.  Protestants usually define grace as “God’s unmerited favor towards us in Christ”. Though not incorrect, this definition is incomplete, for grace also includes the divine gifts which flow from this favor, such as our new life in Christ, God’s indwelling Presence and the ability to bear spiritual fruit.

Can’t we all just get along?  This is CONFUSING!  I think I know less than I did when I started this research.  I finally quit looking around and went to the good, old Merriam Webster dictionary.

a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b: a virtue coming from God

c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

Well… at least I have a whole year in front of me to define Grace for myself.  As of today, all I can say I know is that it is by the grace of God that I have the will, knowledge and ability to follow through on this committment.  We’ll figure it out together.

I come from really big families on both my father’s side (Faulkner) and on my mother’s side (Reese.) Since my parents were originally from the southern Idaho and northern Utah area… there is a heavy concentration of relatives in these two states. But now, we are spread out all over Washington, Nevada, California and probably all of the other states.

My family moved to California when I was three, but we made annual trips to Idaho and Utah when I was young. In between visits, I learned about my extended family from stories and conversations with my parents and brothers. Now… I learn about them on Facebook.

Today I was able to re-connect with a much younger second-cousin through a conversation on Facebook. We have a “Reese Family Group” established on Facebook where we post pictures and carry on conversations (with lots and lots of teasing included.) It is so much fun to check in with everyone once in a while and reminisce about days gone by through the photographs we share.

When I was reading the posts today, Leroy asked me why I was smiling… and I realized then how wonderful it is to keep up family relationships, even if it is only on Facebook for now. I hope to make it back up there to see some of them soon. In the meantime, I’ll keep checking the wall.

We know by faith that we participate in God’s interaction with others when we allow him to use us to love and serve those around us. And the greatest part of this love, service, participation thing is that WE are the ones that end of up with grace and blessings… even when we don’t even know it.

I don’t believe in accidents or luck. I believe that everything happens for a reason… a bigger purpose that I am probably not even aware of at the time. Sometimes, we are graced with the knowledge but most of the time, the good that we do or happens to us goes by, un-noticed, and un-appreciated.

I’ve been posting a brief meditation on the wall of the St. Stanislaus RCIA group on Facebook. I did it through Advent and will run through the feast of the Epiphany. All I do is copy and paste it from an email to the wall.

This morning, I accidentally (or purposefully) posted the phrase on my personal Facebook wall. It had a tremendous response and I knew that God wanted someone particular to read it. I’ll post it again here… just in case.

Open Your Heart

— from Celebrating Saints and Seasons

I love email and the written word, but sometimes our true intention does not get properly translated.  I am always thankful for an opportunity to clarify myself and clear up misunderstandings.  That’s the benefit of personal relationship.  When you know who’s talking to you, it’s easier to decipher the tone and intention.

I had the opportunity to explain an email that was initially interpreted in a manner that I did not intend.  I am EXTREMELY grateful for the chance to clarify my intention and to clear up any mis-understandings.  I must recognize this as a moment of grace.  I also know better than to ruin a perfectly good apology with an excuse.  Perception is everything… and once we’re all on the same page, we can get things accomplished.  It’s truly a challenge to step away from yourself and try to view a situation from another point of view, but it is always worth the effort.

My hope is that I saved a friendship today.

Some days are so great that even the anticipation of their arrival is exciting. It reminds me of being a child and waiting for Christmas morning. Looking forward to something can almost be as grace filled as the event itself. Today was one of those days. I went to sleep last night looking forward to morning, woke up with a smile and it didn’t leave my face all day.

I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with two extraordinary ladies. These two have been very good friends (with each other) for many, many years. They are as close as sisters. I always consider it an extreme privilege to share in their time together and today was no exception. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to attend and was delighted when I was able to arrange my schedule. I always learn something when I’m with them. It is their gift to me.

And if that wasn’t great enough… Today is the day that the Almeidas returned from their two week trip to Australia. After moving to Hilmar and hanging out so much… we have really, really missed having them around, especially on the holidays. Last night, I went to bed with the knowledge that they were on the plane heading home. That only heightened my excitement. It almost feels as though I’ve been holding my breath while they’ve been away. I feel so much better they are now only a few miles down the road.

Whenever I start a new blog theme, I’m always a bit nervous about finding material, events or circumstances to write about.  Part of the fun of keeping up with the theme is forcing myself to be more aware of opportunities.  Then, there are days like today when the subject falls right into my lap first thing in the morning.  I came across this video on my friend Bonnie’s Facebook wall.  After watching it, I knew immediately I wanted to share it with you.

I have written often about my love of football.  It is so much more than a sport for me.  It has been my privilege to participate with some of the finest youth and high school football programs in our area and I am constantly amazed at the impact this sport has on the athletes, coaches and fans.   It’s so much more than a sport, it’s a passion… and for those who take full advantage of the opportunity, it can be life changing.  There are ample opportunities to experience Grace in football when we look closely, but for today, I want to share the words of this incredible young man.

While as impressive as this young man is, what struck me was the others that he represents.  When I listened to this speech, I closed my eyes and heard the voices of a handful of young men who I know, personally.  I heard the same words coming from their voices and it brought me to tears.  I KNOW young men like Kirk Cousins.  These guys really get it.  They really understand the extreme privilege it is to do something you enjoy with so much passion, that it develops your character for the better.  This is Grace.  And this is football at its best.

This is the dream of every sincere fan and certainly of every good coach.  This is the hope of everyone who appreciates high school and collegiate sports.  It certainly should be the dream of each and every parent of a student-athlete who wants their child to live up to their intellectual, spiritual and emotional potential more than their physical capabilities.   This is why it matters.  What a gift it is to see beyond the surface, at the bigger picture.  Some will search their whole lives for this kind of understanding.  What we do, say, think and are really matters and impacts everyone around us.  This is the responsiblity that comes with the privilege of playing on the gridiron.

I am not surprised that Kirk Cousins lead his team to a victory in triple overtime a few days ago… That’s only the beginning of what he will accomplish.

I wrote yesterday about how much I love a new year and the fresh start it offers. I always have several resolutions that I pick out for the coming year… although I hardly ever follow through on most of them. Still, that doesn’t discourage me from listing all of the things I’d like to do, change or improve.

I’ve realized that my biggest problem is planning and follow through. I get caught up in the idea that since I missed my originally planned start date, it’s too late. But when you stop and think about it… it’s never too late to start. We focus on the New Year but we can start over on any plan, project or idea… anytime.

God has graced us with a fresh start with each and every single day. The sunrise and sunset are built in-automatic-cannot be rescheduled physical signals for our fresh start and renewal. How great is that? And if that’s not soon enough for you… We have a new hour every 60 minutes… or a new minute every 60 seconds. It’s all just a matter of choice.

I’ll be sharing my resolutions with you in the next few weeks. I still have some work to do to defining and planning my goals. I’m not going to resolve anything unless I can find the grace in its purpose.

I even have a “life theme” for 2012 so you’ll be hearing about that once in a while too.

As my first post for Amazing Grace 2012, I must tell the story that started it all.  This encounter has been burned into my heart as one of my favorite Christmas memories and truly sparked the concept behind my focus for the coming year.  This story is vivid in my mind today, I have to share it with you.

I had the most extraordinary experience on December 5, 2011.  It was a Monday, and I was headed to work after a very long and emotional weekend.  Our dear friend Matt Burkett had died in an auto accident on December 1st.  On December 2nd, Hilmar High School defeated the state Champion Escalon Cougars for the Section title.  I had been on an emotional roller coaster to say the least.  To be honest, the thought of going to work that day was a welcome step back into routine.

I stopped at Walmart to pick up some cleanser before I went to the office.  I hate shopping at Walmart… and I hate shopping in December.  I was a really just trying to get in and out of there as quickly as possible.  With my single item in hand, I scanned the registers to see which one would get me out of there in a hurry.  I chose one behind a tiny woman with only two items in her cart.  I only mention her size because it was such a shock to me.  I am not very tall, but this elderly lady only came up to shoulders.

As I was standing there waiting, I felt a tap on my shoulder.  I was shocked to turn and see another, tiny version of the lady standing in front of me.  At the very least, this second woman had to be a sister, but I’m guessing maybe even a twin.  I was mesmerized.  (I thought that maybe I had just encountered two of Santa’s elves.)

The second lady was gesturing to me, seeking permission to join her sister in line. She wanted to make sure I was aware that she wasn’t trying to cut in front of me.  She didn’t say a world, only motioned with her hands, but she had a very kind and warm smile.  Of course I let her in and she smiled and waved at me in appreciation.

As the sisters stood there waiting, I watched them interact with each other.  They barely spoke, and when they did it was in a soft, quiet language I could not identify.  They only had two items to pay for… canned cat food and some form of ointment.  The total cost of their items was $5.15.  The original lady in line quickly pulled bills from her wallet and handed them to the clerk.  When the clerk gave back the extra, she asked the sisters if they had $.15 cents.  They didn’t understand and tried to hand the clerk a $20 bill for the balance.  The clerk handed it back and again asked if they had (only) $.15 cents instead of breaking the $20. I already had my wallet open, I told the clerk I had the change and handed it to her.  I knew I was taking a risk.  I certainly didn’t want to offend them.  After all, they had plenty of money.  I was just trying to help… and to be honest, I wanted to keep the line moving.

You would have thought I had handed them the world.

I was not prepared for the response.  Both sisters immediately turned to me with broad smiles and arms wide open.  They came to me hugging me, grasping my hand and kissing me on the cheeks.  I was overwhelmed and shocked… to say the least. In very broken English, one of the sisters said, “You do this for me?”  (First as a question, and then, after realization set in… as a statement.)  “You do this for me.”  I immediately heard the scripture from Matthew.  “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”

Had I really just encountered Jesus in Walmart?

All three of us were in tears.

The items were bagged up and the embraces and kisses started all over again as these two women prepared to leave.  I didn’t resist this time… fully realizing I was experiencing the embrace of God.  As they walked away, I turned and looked at the clerk with pleading eyes.  I wanted her to confirm that what I had just experienced had really happened.  I realized it had when I saw the tears in her eyes as well.  I knew then that we were both witnesses.  We were both silent.  We had both just learned a lesson in gratitude.

Now it’s not right to say I purchased Grace for $.15 cents.  I can’t even say that I earned the Grace by my gesture.  The Grace was always there, but I experienced it only after I opened myself to the gift.  Grace is un-earned, undeserved favor from God… It comes to us as blessings, opportunities, events and people.

Even the people of Walmart.