Receiving Grace in the Most Unexpected Places
Grace is the unmerited favor and boundless love of the Divine - freely given, never earned.
This week’s mindful musing took time, prayer, and listening to what needed to come through. I didn’t want to just pull something together for the sake of writing. It’s important to me that whatever I share comes from the heart. Usually, I have a theme I’m working through, or conversations with clients, fellow coaches, friends, or family spark something that calls for attention. What I share always comes from my lived experiences and vulnerability, with the hope that it supports you in some way, shape, or form.
So, before we dive in, I want to share why it was hard to land on a topic this week. It’s not just because I was feeling tired & drained. It’s because my week was full of both joy and challenge. I celebrated my 10-year wedding anniversary, began exploring new opportunities in my work, and spent most of the weekend at a local market, sharing my children’s book Song of Friendship with new friends.
Scroll down for a few pictures from the week - new goat friend Autumn - we met at the market, a blessing of our marriage & Hunt + Gather Market .
So, I prayed. And just like that - God showed me where I needed to be and what I needed to share. I didn’t force it, I didn’t try to figure it out on my own. I listened, and because I was present, the message came through.
During Sunday morning service, within seconds of the homily, it clicked: “Receiving Grace in the Most Unexpected Places.” It was like a light bulb went off - yes, this is what I need to share.
Before we dig deeper, I want to share the definition of grace. Below are two versions: one more universal and inclusive, and the other more spiritual and religious. Both speak deeply to my heart and soul, and I hope one (or both) will resonate with you.
Universal Definition of Grace
Grace is the quiet strength of kindness, compassion, and acceptance that flows without demand, often showing up when we least deserve it, or expect it. It can be experienced as an unearned gift, a moment of ease in difficulty, or a sense of being held by something larger than ourselves. Grace softens what’s hard, illuminates what’s hidden, and invites us into connection - with ourselves, others, or life itself.
Spiritual Definition of Grace
Grace is the unmerited favor and boundless love of the Divine - freely given, never earned. It is the sacred presence that meets us in our brokenness, lifts us in our weakness, and reminds us that we are deeply held, even when we falter. Grace is God’s invitation to rest in mercy, to be transformed by love, and to walk humbly, knowing we are never alone. It shows up in quiet moments, unexpected kindness, and the soft whisper that we are enough - even now.
Maybe you can relate or already have an experience in mind where grace showed up in an unexpected way. Or perhaps you’ve offered grace to someone else. To me, this is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt gifts we can offer another person, and ourselves.
For me, grace shows up every day. It’s that quiet reassurance: I am enough. I am not broken. Even though things may feel dark right now, I am loved, and I am love.
One of the most powerful examples of grace in my life came almost 8 years ago, when I decided to stop drinking. The only way I know how to describe it is as a gift from God - like He said, “Okay, my child, I’m going to hand this to you and see what you do with it.” The pain, heartache, and disappointment I caused through my addiction, the guilt and shame I carried - it all felt like a tangled mess. But grace showed up, and it saved my life. It’s as though, through listening, praying, and knowing deep down that I am loved no matter what, I was led to a new life.
God’s grace didn’t stop there. It led me to my husband. Trust me, I wasn’t deserving of the relationship I have now. It led me to a deeper love and appreciation for my body, to treat it with care and kindness, instead of being abusive or harsh toward it. It also brought me to the community I live in now - a big, extended family I never knew I needed. And His grace brought me to my church family.
Over the years, I’ve seen God’s grace in the relationship I have with my parents. Yes, we’ve had our ups and downs, but the bond we share now, especially between my dad and me, is stronger than I ever could have imagined. Our faith and forgiveness have made all the difference.
I am so grateful for grace - for receiving it, for offering it to others, and for learning to give it to myself. In our world today, what would it look like to not only be open to grace in the most unexpected ways but also to share it freely, with others and with ourselves?
Reflective Prompts
Here are a few questions to reflect on this week, or journal if you feel called to:
Where in your life have you experienced grace in the most unexpected way?
How did the grace you received shape the person you are today, or support your personal growth?
Where in your life are you being called to offer grace to someone, a situation, or yourself?
My hope is that you know, without a doubt, that you are enough, exactly as you are. You are worthy of grace. You are not alone, my friend.
As always, thank you for allowing me to be my messy, vulnerable self. I see you. I stand with you. I appreciate you.
Until next time...
With love & encouragement,
Angie
PS: I have a dear friend and soul sister who often sends me scripture. She sent this on Sunday, and I believe God was leading me to share it with you:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
