Today I remembered 77 encounters of grace. Today, on what would have been my father’s 77th birthday, I thought about the many ways God’s grace shows up when we least expect it. It is funny how memoriam moments give us pause, an opportunity to see what the adrenaline of blazing emotions blind us to in the excitement of the experience.

Earlier this year one of my mom’s sisters passed. That period of grief covered the family in grace that truly reflected God’s love. Auntie Queen’s homegoing celebration was Mother’s Day weekend. The grace of precious memories filled the atmosphere as everyone proceeded to adjust without the physical presence of a mother loved so dearly.

This weekend I will attend the funeral of Auntie Queen’s oldest daughter. I trust God’s grace will show up and keep us company. Last weekend my father’s oldest sister was buried. The beauty of grace is that like God, it is everywhere at the same time. One of the joys of being in a Christian family is that you have help in finding grace when it seems far away. That’s why I’m reminded that God’s grace is sufficient to keep us when grief won’t allow us to keep ourselves.

In memory of everyone no longer on this side of heaven, walk in God’s grace.