Looking to the right, from my desk, is my “Wall of Grace”. It’s my constant reminder of how God shows His love for me in times when I need His grace in my life. I’ll agree with you, that’s all the time; but we’ve all had those moments when our tanks are running low, when we’re drained emotionally, and need refilling. This past Sunday morning, I received another filling of grace from a treasured brother-in-Christ.
Many of you will recall my mention of Mr. Frank Sears, one of the longer-tenured members of our church. Like me, Mr. Sears is a woodworker. For many years he has made thousands of wooden toys for children around the world as his contribution to Operation Christmas Child. One of his masterful creations, be it a game or a wooden car or truck, is placed into each of the over 1,000 shoeboxes our church packs each year. Mr. Frank tells us how spending hours toiling in his labor of love keeps him active and brings him such joy. Oh, the blessings of a Servant’s Heart.
This past Sunday, before morning services, Mr. Frank called me out to his car. As he fumbled with the keys to his trunk, his soft voice trailed off, “I’ve got something for you.” As the trunk lid opened, my jaw dropped at the beauty that lay before me. There in his trunk, nestled safely upon a thick blanket was a “Frank Sears Original”. Folks at church had told me of his beautiful wooden clocks, as many have been recipients of his handiwork through the years. I never imagined I would be among those. With its rich walnut and box elder inlays to recreate our Cross-Dubya brand, the Birdseye maple burl face and curly maple veneer edging around the sides are magnificent.
After admiring it and thanking him effusively, Mr. Frank answered what I suspect is an often-heard question during moments like this. When I asked how I could ever repay him for this wonderful gift, his answer was simply, “Pass It On.” Adding it to the wall of my den with many other treasured gifts I’ve received, I was reminded that with each one of these, I’d heard those same words. “Pass It On”.
God’s grace is meant for us to share. Pass it on! #Grace #Share #GraceIsGodsLove #CrossDubya Click To TweetPerhaps that’s why I call it my “Wall of Grace”. Its purpose is not to adorn my office with kind gifts from friends, co-workers, neighbors, AWANA children, and others, it is to remind me that grace is not finite. It (grace) doesn’t end with me. It should instead be the lubricant that makes it easier to pass God’s love on to others. One way we do that is through grace. I’m reminded that grace does not originate with us but should pass through us as we endeavor to share God’s love with the world around us.
I try and explain grace as being the unmerited gift from God that shows His love for us. In all its forms, there are two truths about grace. We can never do anything to earn it and we most certainly never deserve it. Grace, in its very nature, should be humbling. In our case, when we extend God’s grace to others, it should serve to humble both the giver and the recipient. For in extending it to ourselves and others, we seek to glorify God in the act.
As we near the recognition of the greatest gift of grace mankind has ever received, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us remember that grace should flow through us throughout the year. When you receive God’s gift of grace, pass it on dear friends. The only way to receive more is by sharing what you’ve received.
Merry CHRISTmas dear friends and God’s blessings always,
Merry Christmas to you and Ms. Diane. God is so gracious and what a good reminder to pay attention to, appreciate and pass along all the acts of grace, large and small. bestowed on us.
You are most certainly an excellent conduit of grace Ms. Ann. The way you share information in your 3-D Vitality blog each week that helps us to live better lives is a blessing indeed ma’am.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
And to you and your family Ms. Diana. May God fill your New Year with even more blessings ma’am.
When we are touched by grace, I think we often want to pass it on. Beautiful reminder. Merry Christmas and God bless.
Amen. I pray we continue to Pass It On Ms. Debbie. Merry CHRISTmas to you and Mr. Larry
Oh, what a stunning gift this is, J. D.! I know that each and every day you look at it, it will remind you to share God’s grace that you’ve received with those around you.
Wishing Ms. Diane and you a grace-filled Christmas!
Thank you Ms. Martha. And the same to you and Mr. Danny my friend.
what a wonderful gift to remind you of grace for years to come. My dad was a talented scroll saw artist and also made clocks that I treasure. God’s grace is the greatest gift of all.
It certainly is Ms. Barb. Look forward to meeting your dad in heaven one day soon my friend. You’ll be sure to introduce us won’t you? 🙂
Such a wonderful gift and reminder! ♥️♥️
Yes ma’am. A blessing indeed.
Wise words, brother J.D. 🙂 Thank you.
Thank you Ms. Diane. Praying you, Mr. Phil, and your entire family a peaceful and peace-filled CHRISTmas and New Year’s ma’am.
Grace, by its very nature, cannot be earned. So glad. I’d fall short everytime. But we can do something else with. Pass it along. Thanks for the reminder. Merry Christmas!
You and me both Ms. Patty. Merry CHRISTmas and give that little Miss Jayme an extra squeeze for her pal Mr. Jim please.
What a touching gift. Thank you, J.D., for sharing this inspirational message for us to “pass it on.” Especially at Christmas.
I could do nothing else Ms. Kathy. Blessing to you and Mr. Larry ma’am. Merry CHRISTmas
How beautiful, and such an amazing man! I know you also pass on that grace everyday with your work and in your writing, J.D. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas!
Yes ma’am. I’m blessed to get to now him and his sweet wife Ms. June.
Once again, J.D., in your characteristically personal and down to earth way, you have captured our attention and our hearts with a compelling message about the multiplication of grace that God’s love inspires. I’d love to have a picture of your eyes when that clock was unveiled.
The other thing that inspires and impresses me is that you have managed to insert a perfect Christmas message without getting into the “Christmas story” directly. The indescribable grace we celebrate on Easter would not have been possible had not the omnipotent and infinitely holy God of the universe breathed air into human lungs in Bethlehem. Thank you for the love that we were privileged to feel as we read your words. We can’t hang it on a wall, but Diane and I count your friendship as one of the grace gifts that God has given to us and we will be celebrating the Bethlehem miracle with you and the Cross-Dubya family.
Thank you Mr. Ron. Never set out to write a CHRISTmas message, but reckon God had other plans in mind. As is so often the case, I just close my eyes and let Him spill out onto paper. I’m just grateful He overlooks all my spelling and grammar errors. LOL So glad you enjoyed the message sir. Praying you and Ms. Diane are feeling better real soonl
What a beautiful gift and sentiments from the gift-giver. Love the idea of passing it on, not only from gift-givers here on earth, but also passing on grace from the ultimate gift-giver, the Lord! Merry Christmas!
Absolutely. The greatest gifts, both given and received, originate in Heaven my friend. Am certain that’s where you came from sweet friend. God’s blessings.
Thank you for this beautiful post.
The clock is so wonderful — a precious gift.
Merry Christmas to you and your precious Diane. In a comment under your Twitter post I’m going to post a special “Grace” ornament a friend made for me. It’s illuminated by a red light, representing the shed blood of our dear Savior.
Thank you Ms. Connie. I went and look at Twitter at the ornament your friend gifted you. Oh, what a wonderful blessing that was. Indeed, a lesson in grace ma’am. Thank you for sharing.
So glad for your gift, J.D. A real treasure…and I bet you’ve already done some passing it on. (:
Sure have tried Ms. Gail. Merry CHRISTmas to you and Mr. Lance and all your “Rim” friends. God’s blessings sweet lady.
“Grace, grace, God’s grace” just one of the most precious gifts from our loving Heavenly Father.
What a beautiful gift your friend gave you!
Merry Christmas to you and “Miss” Diane!
I was humming that same song as I was writing Ms. Edwina. He sure did. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours gentle friend. God’s blessings.
Grace does humble me because it is not something I deserve but what an amazing gift. One I try to share with others as much as possible.
What an amazing gift from your friend. Blessings
How very true Ms. Yvonne. We should be humbled often my friend. God’s blessings to you and Bill.
Thanks for the sweet reminder of God’s amazing grace and we are His vessels in sharing that same grace with others.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
We certainly are Ms. Sally. And thank you for sharing yours with us here ma’am. God’s blessings all throughout the coming year.
This is beautiful! A beautiful gift and message. You brought tears to my eyes as I read your post. Thank you for shining the light of Christ in every moment. Merry Christmas to you and Ms. Diane and your dear friend Mr. Frank Sears! 🙂
I pray they were joyful one Ms. Melissa, and you too were moved to stop and praise God for all He has given into our lives. When I stop and consider all the blessings and grace He has bestowed upon me, I can barely contain myself. We are so very blessed with family, friends, and so much godly love.
What a lovely gift and message. God gives us the wonderful privilege of being the conduit of His grace. Gratitude for His grace in my life motivates me to keep it flowing. Your friend, Frank, is also an inspiration to me. Merry Christmas to you and our family, J.D.!
Thank you Ms. Annie. Merry CHRISTmas precious soul.
Wonderful message, JD. Pass it on. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours! God bless!
Thank you Ms. Nancy. Praying a Merry CHRISTmas and a year full of blessings, grace, and love in the coming year to you and your family ma’am.
What a sweet and thoughtful gift. I love the idea of grace as a lubricant. And the reminder to pass it on.
I hope you and your dear wife have a lovely Christmas.
Aww… Thanks Ms. Barbara. And those same well wishes to you and yours ma’am.
What a sweet and meaningful gift from Mr. Sears! But what I like even more is your Wall of Grace. A great idea to remind us of God’s faithfulness and love and care.
I used to keep a “happy file” which included notes of affirmations or encouragement from coworkers, students, bosses, etc. to turn to on those days when discouragement and fatigue set in. Your Wall of Grace tells me I should do no less for God for His many blessings through the years. Kinda like Samuel’s Ebenezer.
Blessings to you and yours!
I love that Ms. Candyce. A “Happy File”. Perhaps I need to start an electronic version of that I can keep on my phone so I can gain from it when I’m away from home. Thank you so much ma’am. God’s blessings.
What a lovely gift you received and thank you for the reminder to “pass it on.” Merry Christmas, J.D.!
Yes ma’am. We’re supposed to share all the blessings God brings us, aren’t we? So much to be good stewards of. Merry CHRISTmas sweet family.
Such a beautiful gift! And you managed to use it to pass on a most encouraging message! May we all remember >> “grace does not originate with us but should pass through us as we endeavor to share God’s love with the world around us.” May you and Ms. Diane have a most blessed Christmas!
Amen. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of grace with us today Ms. Joanne. Merry CHRISTmas ma’am.
As I grow older, I am often mindful of my actions to leave a legacy of meaning. Grace has become a bigger presence in that legacy. I believe I am learning more how to extend it as I see it being extended to me. What a precious gift you have received, J.D. May it indeed be “passed on” along with its story of sacrificial love.
Yes ma’am, we are meant to share all the grace that is extended to us. When we consider its source, all grace comes from God, we learn to both accept and appreciate it more.