Grace upon Grace

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16 ESV)

I didn't show grace when I had the chance to do it today.  I was petty and vindictive when I could have been gracious and forgiving.  But God was still gracious to me - even as I accused and judged my neighbor.

I can't explain why He loves.  I just can't deny it when He does.  And He always does - with never ceasing, unconditional, perfect love.  

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5 ESV).  Not even the darkness of my own sin has overcome the light.  

Thank You for being so scandalously gracious.  

Blessings

Counting my blessings does not come naturally to me.  I'm too pessimistic and prone to anxiety to focus on what I have been blessed with rather than what I don't have.  But God has softened my heart and showed me the wisdom and joy of living in His grace.  

So I will continue to try and give thanks.  Even during my desert times - to remember that He has a mighty hand and an outstretched arm - more than enough to see me through the dry times.

Thank You for everything.

Isaiah 40:30-31

I ran for the first time since turning 30, which happened 2 days ago.  All I can say is...

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:30-31

I ran out of gas so fast - didn't help that it was 39 degrees Celsius.  But was still able to run for about 20 minutes.

Thank You for the wings. 

Blessed

30 years. 

Taiwan.  Argentina.  Texas. New York.  Shanghai.  Abu Dhabi.

From willful ignorance to rebellion to submission to surrender and finally freedom.  

While I was back in Shanghai to celebrate my birthday with my cell group, my fiancée asked my friend how I had changed in the 3 years that he has known me.  Without missing a beat, he said my temper - and clarified that I was a lot less arrogant than before and was calmer and more humble.  In faith, I accept that his characterization of my sanctification is accurate and give all glory and thanks to God.  Some things are impossible with man, but with God, nothing is impossible.  

So I ask God for more of the impossible. To continue to sanctify me and to remind me daily of the incredible scandal that is His free grace.  It is indeed good (and scandalous) news - that while I was still a sinner, Christ, Immanuel, God with us, died for me (and you) - Romans 5:8.

What a journey.  Here's to 30 more. And then another 30 more. And then a few more billion 30 mores - until eternity.  

Thank You for loving me (us).

Desire to Please

When I was working in the law firm, my job was to please.  Please the clients, please the partners, please the counsels, the senior associates, etc... 

Now that I'm seconded to a company, my job description has drastically changed.  It is not to please.  It is to protect the interests of my company and offer the best legal advice I can.  Granted, that's what I was doing in the law firm anyways, but I always did feel like all of the actual work I was doing was really just another way to please the clients, partners, etc... Working in-house, I struggle with leaving that mandate/desire to please behind me.

I'm working on this.  It's probably going to take some time.  

And a lot of grace.