Life can be very hard sometimes. From global suffering to personal heartaches, the darkness can feel overwhelming. Recently, a beloved aunt received an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Her name is Grace.

As my thoughts spiral into fear for her future, I am forced to pause. I remind myself of what her name represents: God’s unmerited favor. Grace is the love and kindness extended freely to us—blessings we cannot earn and do not deserve.

In a world where we are constantly striving, we face an onslaught of messages from social media and advertisements telling us to be better, wealthier, and “picture perfect.” During the holidays, that pressure only intensifies. Instead of being filled with peace, I often feel I’m not doing enough. But God’s grace tells a different story. It tells us we can rest.

I have been praying each morning for the eyes to see this grace. Recently, while rushing through errands, a man experiencing homelessness approached me outside a 7-Eleven and asked me to buy him candy. Having had a couple of frightening encounters on the street in the past, my initial reaction was wariness. I politely said no and hurried away.

But a nagging feeling followed me. I tried to dismiss it—I don’t have time—yet I found myself turning back toward a nearby McDonald’s for a coffee. While I waited, that same man walked in.

This is my chance, I thought. But as the thought crossed my mind, he began wailing and shouting about his hunger. I’m embarrassed to say that, in the face of his distress, I froze.

Just then, a young woman walked in. When he approached her and asked her to buy him food, she calmly and kindly replied, “Sure, what would you like?” The restaurant fell silent as every customer and employee stopped to watch them as she ordered the meal he wanted at the touchscreen. I felt a sting of conviction. I’m so sorry, God, I prayed. Help me do better. A quiet prompting answered: You still have a chance.

As he waited for his order, I asked him if he still wanted that candy for dessert. He beamed a megawatt smile. After he collected his food, we walked back to the 7-Eleven—the very place I had first turned him away—and he picked out a King Size Snickers. He looked at me with such sincere gratitude that I felt humbled; he was the one giving me a gift.

He reminded me that when I don’t get it right the first time, God offers a second chance. His grace is infinite. This Advent, I am learning that “courageous waiting” sometimes means simply resting in God’s grace. I am learning to extend it to those I cross paths with—and just as importantly, to myself.

Scripture: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Shared by Patricia Wu

The post Grace on Third Avenue appeared first on An Advent of Courageous Waiting.

A Faithful Witness: My Lenten Walk

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