Grace Upon Grace

“Grace never seems fair until you need a little.” – Bob Goff

I’m sure we can all think of a time where we felt like someone didn’t deserve grace. Maybe it was a friend or teammate that dropped the ball on a task…now think about a time you were that friend or teammate. Everyone one of us can think of a time when we didn’t deserve grace; that is what makes grace so special. Grace is something that is freely given, it is not earned. Every one of us needs grace, which is why it is important we give grace upon grace to those around us. The idea of “grace upon grace” has been demonstrated to me time after time throughout my life. From those around me, I learned that grace is not earned, yet it is something freely given.

During high school, I had a million things going on. Due to health issues, there were times I struggled to stay on top of the simplest of tasks. It took most of my effort to make it through the school day. There were times I slacked off at home and even lashed out at my mother during those stressful times, yet she continued to offer me help, advice, and most importantly grace. Grace upon grace was given to me. This looked like her comforting me when everything became too much and even helping me with the small tasks like my laundry and chores around the house. If it was not for her grace and understanding, I would not have learned to cope with those health issues as well as balance all my duties.

The undeserving acts of kindness my mother showed to me through those times stayed with me and helped me to reflect on the importance of giving grace to those around me. The thing with grace is that we all need it. We have no idea what is going on in the lives of those around us and why they might be reacting in a certain way or failing to complete tasks. While we might be disappointed because a teammate doesn’t finish their portion of the project, we can give grace and understanding. Maybe you feel like your advisor let you down while preparing a CDE/LDE or maybe you feel like a judge didn’t really listen while you gave reasons. These examples can go on and on, whether it be in FFA, school, or our personal life, we have all been let down. It can be frustrating and disappointing when we are let down by those around us, but when we posture our hearts to give grace it allows us to approach situations with understanding in turn giving one another unconditional kindness.

Grace isn’t something we can earn and is often something we don’t deserve. By centering our hearts around giving grace upon grace we can make a positive impact on those around us. This grace can be for those around us…or even for ourselves. The mindset of grace upon grace will not only change those around you, but it will work to soften your heart. As we move forward in our lives, it is important for us to give grace upon grace!

Payton Ryba 2023-2024 State Vice President