Listen

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he sat at the entrance of his tent in the day’s heat. He looked up and suddenly saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. He said, “Sirs, if you would be so kind, don’t just pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought so you may wash your feet and refresh yourselves under the tree. Let me offer you a little bread so you will feel stronger, and after that you may leave your servant and go on your way—since you have visited your servant.”

They responded, “Fine. Do just as you have said.”

Genesis 18:1-5

Think

As we’ve read for several days now in our Pause Statement, Frederick Buechner says “the gift of grace can be yours only if you’ll reach out and take it.”

The three visitors to Abraham’s tent could have easily thanked Abraham for the offer, politely declined, and passed by to continue on to their destination. Instead, they recognized Abraham’s act of service and hospitality as a moment of grace. They reached out open hands to accept the gift.

How often in your life do you find that small moments of grace go unnoticed? It’s all too common for me. I try to live life open-eyed and eager to see God’s grace, but that is much easier said than done. Try to live as Abraham’s visitors — not expecting grace, but accepting it when you find it in front of you.

Mary Kate Deal

Pray

God of Grace, help me to keep my eyes open for grace offered to me by others. Help me to reach out and accept it. Remind me that it is through accepting your grace that I will be blessed. Amen.

Go

Take pride in God’s grace.

Accept God’s grace.

Have faith in God’s grace.

Thank God for grace.