Learning to give grace can release such a heaviness! People make mistakes. We all screw up. Give grace!Growing up, my mom worked from home raising puppies and helping on the grain farm. We didn’t live close to town but that didn’t keep my mom from running extra clothes to me at school if I forgot it was club picture day; delivering a lunch box that I left on the front porch when goulash was being served; or if I forgot a permission slip that was due that day. She never complained. She didn’t gripe at me. She gave grace and showed up. The thing is…she’s still doing it…but I have learned from her and I am doing it, too! #rippleeffect Last May, the boys hosted their first Thompson Tackle Tournament. In the whirlwind of getting ready and everyone out the door, we forgot the gift certificates in the other vehicle… my parents didn’t hesitate to turn around and grab the items in time for the winners. During a ballgame a few weeks ago, we had 5 pigs escape. The neighbors called while we were all in the bleachers watching the 2nd inning - my parents didn’t hesitate - they said you stay here and we will go make sure they are all put up. Those are just a few of many examples I could give. It wasn’t just that they showed up but they also didn’t gripe, demean us, or say “well you should’ve”. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to give the grace. One of our boys left a catcher’s mitt at the ball-field - similar to growing up - we don’t live close to town. I hopped in the car and drove back to the ball-field that I had just been at all morning. He knew he made a mistake, I didn’t need to pound that home with him, and he apologized. The boys are mowing a church yard this summer for extra money. They made it to the church and realized they forgot the keys to the trailer. When they called me up, I was in the middle of a project but I didn’t hesitate or tell them “they should’ve” - I just grabbed the keys and headed their way. I think sometimes people think they need to “be taught a lesson” well in my opinion there should be more lessons on grace! I haven’t met a flawless person yet. My encouragement to you is the next time someone makes an honest mistake - show them grace. Give the helping hand without a demeaning “side note”. Nine times out of ten, the person is going to fully know they screwed up and feel bad - they don’t need reminded they made a mistake. If it’s your child, take the time to lovingly point out how you are giving grace. Make it a lesson for them in a nice, calm way so that when they are put in a similar situation then they respond with love and grace. Living a life set apart, Rachel Thompson Scripture: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16Quote: “I will hold myself to a standard of grace not perfection.” - unknown