Do it now! "the GRACE project"

Three months, actually 93 days have passed since Grace's accident. Some days it feels like that was yesterday and others it seems like she's been gone a long time. We continue to process through and learn about grief...it is something that is definitely unique for each person. And even looks a bit different each day. We miss her. We cry. We laugh at memories. We hurt for her family and all who are grieving.

The other day the kids and I watched a video of her singing and we all cried, sat in silence and gave each other a hug. In that moment I returned to that day 3 months ago when I told the kids the news. A day when everything changed. A day when dirty dishes weren't important, laundry didn't matter and I left my agenda go. A day when much was put into perspective and focus returned to what was important.

As I thought about this, I recalled one of my prayers from shortly after Grace's death. I asked God to help me remember that people matter, moments don't last forever and sometimes we don't get a second chance. Today on the 3 month marker He is answering and is whispering 3 powerful words to my heart - "Do it now!" He's giving me 3 specific areas to focus on, perhaps you should consider them too.

Say the words. Speaking up and sharing from my heart are two things I'm not very good at. Especially in face to face conversations. But it's something I'm learning I need to do. Two important phrases come to mind - "I love you" and "I forgive you." Friend, is there someone who needs to hear from you? Somebody who needs to be assured of your love? A loved one who needs to know they are forgiven? In this life there are no guarantees, say what needs to be said. As we speak may Ephesians 4:29 guide our words, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Take the step. When I think of Grace I remember a girl who held her plans loosely. She was willing to let go of her agenda and embrace God's. I tend to be a list-maker and an over analyzer. I want to know how everything will turn out before I even begin, but often this is not the way God works. Instead of all the puzzle pieces and a picture of the final project, He gives us one piece at a time and enough light for the step we're on. What is He calling you to do? Step out in faith? Quit your job? Adopt? Submit to your husband? Do mission work? Speak out for the unborn? Take the step. Then take the next one and the one after that. Do it now...don't wait til you have it all figured out, have more money, the kids are grown. If He's calling you to action do it now!!

As you step out remember Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Friend, He understands, so we don't have to!

Make the choice. The final area God has been encouraging me to take immediate action is with my faith. First of all, if you haven't made the choice to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, friend I beg you to dig into this deeper. Talk with a Christian friend, a trusted pastor or email me. (jillberan@yahoo.com) This is not something you want to put off, Grace's death is a reminder that we do NOT know the number of our days. And friend if you are a believer and are walking with Lord, make the choice to grow closer to Him, spend time in prayer and abide in His Word. Then make the choice to do what you were created to do - live your faith, share your faith and glorify our God. Chances are there is somebody in your sphere of influence who needs to know Jesus...talk with them and prayer for them. Joshua 24:15 elaborates on this choice, "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

In the last few months I've again found comfort in Cheri Keaggy's song, "There Will Be One Day". She reminds us that one day there will be no accidents, no death, no tears and no pain. The suffering will end and grief will be over. But when that day comes our opportunity to witness and build God's kingdom will have have fleeted away. The chance to confess Christ as Lord and Savior will be gone. Friend, today may we receive His grace and "Do It Now!" whatever the it is!