I wasn’t sure if I was going to choose a word of the year for 2021. Truthfully, last year was a lot for me to handle and I’m still dealing with the overflow of emotions from it all. On New Years Day, a certain word kept appearing to me over and over. I would see the word in a quote and in scripture, and I even had a chance to give it and live it out. It became very obvious that God was speaking to me through all of this. That’s when I decided I’d take on this word that was given to me… to embody it and live it out the best that I can this year and going forward.
My word of the year for 2021 is… Grace.
Grace… such a gentle word with great impact. Grace goes deep. Grace goes wide. Grace sees all of the flaws, the mess, and the mistakes but chooses to reach past all of that to meet me right where I am.
[bctt tweet=”Grace sees all of the flaws, the mess, and the mistakes but chooses to reach past all of that to meet me right where I am.” username=”SummerTelban”]
As a recovering perfectionist, I have always struggled to give myself grace when I need it most. About two years ago, I was in a tough spot personally and that’s when I truly learned why I needed to give myself grace and that it’s okay to do so. I actually have a blog post that I wrote during that time – you can read that here.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV
Grace is a gift from God. He freely gives it. There’s nothing I could ever do to earn the grace that God gives and yet He gives it still… because He loves me.
This truth always leaves me in awe. When I am weak, He is strong. God works in my brokenness, and in my weakness, His power is made perfect.
If God can freely give me grace then why shouldn’t I give myself grace when I need it?
As a new mom, especially throughout 2020, giving myself grace was something I deeply struggled with. I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as some other issues. In some moments, I don’t want to be kind to myself, never mind considering having grace with myself. I’m grateful for Michael – he’s my tangible anchor in those times, reminding me that I am more than what I feel or what I haven’t gotten accomplished.
Truth be told, I could ramble on about grace and all the dimensions it has in my life but I’m going to be concise for today.
When the dishes don’t get done… I’m going to choose grace.
When my patience runs out… I’m going to choose grace.
When I fail at something… I’m going to choose grace.
When I need to work but I also need a mental health day… I’m going to choose grace.
When someone fails me… I’m going to choose grace.
When someone hurts me… I’m going to choose grace.
When the world stumbles… I’m going to choose grace.
grace upon grace. every day.
Much love.
XO,