grace

While I'm in Dunedin for summer school I am also (this week) involved in a block course for one of my semester one papers. Its called Grace in Paul and is looking at the concept of Grace through Paul's writings.

Yesterday we talked about grace and gifts. The whole 'art' of gift giving around the world and its significance. is there such a thing as a gift with no strings attached? Is there ever a "free lunch"? Why is it that in some parts of the world (like NZ) we find it hard to accept gifts from others - and sometimes we find it hard to give a gift instead demanding it be anonymous....

So much to think about....

In thinking about where the word grace is used these days (outside of the church walls) my mind immediately went to U2 and their song grace...

"Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace
It's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that
Changed the world

And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness
In everything
Grace
She's got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalk
She's got the time to talk
She travels outside
Of karma, karma
She travels outside Of karma

When she goes to work
You can hear the strings
Grace finds beauty
In everything

Grace
She carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips
Between her fingertips
She carries a pearl
In perfect condition

What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stings

Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things

Grace finds beauty
In everything

Grace finds goodness
In everything "

We may not all bear the name Grace but we certainly can live the life...