A Word from Our Chaplain

Grace

During the last fortnight, I have had the opportunity to speak with some Year 6 students about the attributes of a good friend. As I reflected on our first conversation, I realised that acting with grace was an important way to be a good friend. When I asked students if they knew what the word grace meant, their first comment was ‘a girl’s name’.  After they thought a little harder, they spoke of ‘a way of movement’. Although both of these definitions are correct, the definition I was thinking of was more like ‘giving someone undeserved love and kindness, even when we think they deserve punishment.’

In one blog I read (https://britanyederveen.com/2014/12/14/the-virtue-of-grace/), the author commented that grace is:

- offering forgiveness when it may not have been earned.

- putting aside our own selfish desires for the greater good of someone else.

- being patient.

- choosing to take the blame.

- being part of the world, no matter how hard it may appear.

- not expecting recognition.

So, then, what are some practical ways that we can show grace to others?

1. Choosing to speak in a kind and gentle way, even when the subject is difficult or uncomfortable.
2. Acting in simple ways to help others during the day.
3. Responding with a calm spirit.
4. Being present with people in their times of need
5. Accepting apologies when people ask for forgiveness.
6. Learning to say “I’m sorry.”
7. Choosing not to keep a tally of ‘wrong doings’
8. Remembering to say ‘thank you’.
9. Being genuinely interested in others.

When we extend grace to others, the benefit is not only to the other person. Instead, we feel better about ourselves and more content with our lives.

Louise Lathbury

School Chaplain