Gracing Each Other Out

Just yesterday I had a chance to grace out a mom and it reminded me of how many times I have been the recipient of someone else's graciousness. I define grace as unmerited favor, in essence, being blessed when I don't deserve it. Yesterday, as I was traveling home from a mommy getaway, I was delayed for well over an hour. As I sat in the airport, I watched the mom of a rambunctious toddler chase her child. Round and round and round the waiting area she went following her little guy. Each time she "caught up" he would scream his dismay at being redirected. As I watched, I remembered how often I chase my own little ones as we travel just hoping to appease them and avert tantrums. As she boarded the plane this mom was exhausted, tired, and was probably not looking forward to entertaining a toddler on a 2 hour flight in a cramped airplane seat. As I boarded the plane, I was beginning to grumble to myself about my seat assignment and how I really should have paid more attention so I would not have been stuck with the middle seat. Well guess whose row I was in? Guess who I was sitting next to? I guess my mommy getaway had worked. I was relaxed, poised, and full of grace. As I sat down the mom said, "I am so sorry you have to next to us." I replied, "No worries, I have two little boys of my own." The flight was full and there were no empty seats and I was truly happy with my seat. I missed my kids and the little boy was just as busy and loud as my own little guys. He wiggled, giggled, and played until he fell in to a gentle slumber. As we deplaned the mom said, "Thanks so much." My response was, " No problem, I was glad to help."

Hopefully I will have a chance to grace someone else out very soon. So take a moment and look for ways to provide grace to a mom you know, or better yet to a complete stranger.