Spoken by a 6- or 7-year-old a while back, to the question: Do you know what the word Grace means? “Yes. Grace is when you’re happy for someone else who gets to do what you’d rather be doing.”
Unexpected, profound wisdom from the mouth of a child. Amazing.
This was heard at a time when my soul was troubled. I was wallowing a bit in self pity, struggling with feelings of jealousy, frustration, and lack of appreciation. I was waiting for a practice session with a volunteer choir and witnessing the children’s choir practice. The leader wanted to help the kids understanding the lyrics they were singing. But the learning was offered to me and anyone else who happened to be there to witness this unexpected insight.
“Grace is being happy for someone else that gets to do what you’d rather be doing.” What a concept. I’ve tried to make it a mantra ever since.
It’s not always easy. But you know what? Like gratitude, sometimes when you give, you get back even more.
