I have been really trying to learn more about grace lately. I've been struggling with some health and anxiety issues, and of course trying to do way too much. Because I'm a woman and who of us doesn't? This scripture really stood out to me - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8:
"7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
I had always focused on the "cheerful giver" part, trying to do everything, give everything, and do it with a cheerful attitude. But I think I've been leaving God's grace out of the equation - He is the one who gives us the abundance we need to do all these good works without self-destructing. He is willing to help us, but we have to be willing to accept that. I'm still figuring out how all that works, and praying for His grace to make it happen, but it reminded me very much of one of my favorite quotes by Thomas S. Monson: "My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to yours tasks. Then the completion of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."
That's not to say we can't or shouldn't say no, set boundaries, and be realistic. I think it means that God sees our potential so clearly and wants to help us get there. He can help us when it feels like we're so overloaded we're going to self-destruct. His abundance can be our own.
Also -- I just read the most wonderful, amazing talk by Patricia Holland, called "'One Thing Needful' - Becoming Women of Greater Faith in Christ." It is everything my heart has been yearning for, the kind of thing you need to read over and over again and take into your heart. Please click that link and read it for yourself!
I hope you enjoy this coloring page -- you can save it to your computer to print as a full page, and feel free to share!
Tomi
1 comment:
Your words and this page are just so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
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