The God Kind

Last night I participated in an ordination for friends of mine. It was fun and I enjoyed being there. Today I am headed to Lake George. (I am so excited! Taking my grandkids.) On the way home I was having a conversation with the children about today. I was “distracted” in the conversation. I missed a speed limit sign. Moments later not one, but two police vehicles turned around with blue lights flashing.

In a nutshell I was speeding. (57 in a 40) and I deserved a ticket. The officer came back after running everything and let me go.Grace is not just about beating the law, though I am thankful. Grace is the empowerment of a big God in a small person. It is not about getting away with something but getting something you do not deserve.

Years ago I was with a spiritual dad and he and I were driving my Mercedes. This was like an embassy car (Minus the flags!) and did not fit in any parking spot. Finally we found one near our destination. We jumped out only to realize that neither of us had money. He convinced me to take the chance (Hence lawlessness…!) and I did. We went inside this building and two hours later we came back out. In this busy city I fully expected to see the ticket on the windshield because I had seen the meter lady. But there was not.

As we got in the car, I said “thank God for grace.” He said “no that was mercy. Not getting something you deserved. Grace would have been a $10 bill under the windshield wiper.”

Grace is bigger than we think , more powerful than we know.

I had my three grandchildren with me last night. I explained my wrongdoing. But the officer showed me mercy.

We talk a lot about grace but mercy is just as important. James 2:13 Mercy triumphs over judgment.

And so today I get to take my grandchildren to Lake George. They do not deserve it. They have not been extra good or convinced me of their need.

Doing good things…it’s what a good dad would do.