Choose to Be Gracious Every Day

January 11, 2010

“To bear defeat with dignity,to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility -- these are marks of maturity and graciousness.” William Arthur Ward (1921-1994), American author, pastor, educator

This whole new year lies stretched before us, shiny and unsullied. Into each moment of this year we can pour ourselves and make it what we wish it to be. The chance to start new is such a draw that we expend much energy pondering what resolutions we will make to take advantage of the twelve months stretched before us.

Setting goals is important to success, but it doesn't guarantee a victory. Even the best-laid plans will go awry because of circumstances caused by ourselves or others. When it comes down to the basics, the only time we have control over is the moment in which we are living. This is where our true character shines or shames.

Instead of physical goals, perhaps a better focus for our New Year's resolutions would be character development. We can find examples from the character of our Lord. One of my favorite studies on the character of God is The Practice of Godliness: Godliness has value for all things by Jerry Bridges. The first five chapters explain how we begin the journey to putting on the new self in Christ through our walk with Him. The next twelve chapters explains the true characteristics of God, and helps us understand what they look like in a life devoted to Him.

My first personal character improvement goal is to add graciousness to all aspects of my daily life. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, graciousness is 1) marked by kindness and courtesy; 2) marked by tact and delicacy; and 3) characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit. These seem to be simple enough on the surface, but a deeper look at the real meaning reveals how difficult this can be in the face of our post-modern culture. It is easy to choose a coarser way of thinking and living when that is the norm all around us.

For this goal, my devotional of choice is A Gentle Spirit: Devotional Selections for Today's Christian Woman. This daily devotional has been a favorite of mine for years. Each devotion is written by women who have proven their determination to walk in graciousness by their very lives. Included in the list of authors is Patsy Clairmont, Sheila Walsh, Twila Paris, Amy Carmichael, Elizabeth Elliot, and Corrie ten Boom. I have picked it up again to guide me to my knees so that I can rise to my goal.

I love the opening devotion for the year, written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, author of Streams in the Desert:

Today, dear friends, we stand upon the verge of the unknown. There lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it. Who can tell what we shall find? what new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting, gladdening message from our Heavenly Father, "The Lord thy God careth for it." "His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year."

Our first step to our goals is the second of my personal character improvement goals: Focus. My desire is to be where I am - meaning I will see each moment as the gift it is and try to find the blessings right now...not always look ahead for the bigger and better moments. What a tragedy it is to continue to live for what comes next and miss what is now!

I am sure that throughout 2010 I will stumble and fail to live up to the goals I have established. But, my prayer is that I can return to the plan and continue to grow into the image of Christ; more accurately, be the Christ-bearer that God intended me to be from the beginning. The thing is, it is impossible to take a step backwards. Time only goes forward. Each wasted moment is a moment lost. Each cherished moment is a moment of grace.

My prayer for you, my friends, is that you will go through your new year in the grace of the Lord, growing in Him each day. Savor Him in everything. His pleasures are rich and His mercies are sweet.