Grace

We sat in our favourite cafe. We had a refreshing walk in parklands and around the lake. We had walked and talked. Now we sat and sipped and nursed our hot drinks; dogs resting contentedly at our feet.

Then he hopped over the wall. So tiny I could have cupped him in my hand, and felt his heart rapidly tap a gentle beat on my palm. Yet he was so bold he could be a giant. A magnificent Robin. Emblazoned in red; beady eyes, black as coal, scanning the courtyard for crumbs.

He came closer. He knew we were watching him. He knew the dogs were sleeping. He put on a display to catch our attention. In a sea of grey plastic tables and chairs, he dazzled us.

Closer still. He sat on the next table over. I think he knew I was taking out my camera as he posed for a perfect side view, legs and claws in perfect focus, looking sharply into the distance.

It was a gift. A greeting. An exchange. We whispered our delight. Oh he knew! He knew he had us, right where he wanted us. We were smitten.

Gifts. The most treasured are the ones we can’t buy. The look of a lover, the soft skin of a child, the opening of a flower, the laughter with friends, the chords of a heartfelt song. Something given from one to another, not expecting a return. We wondered how easily we missed these treasures.

It is Lent. We are slowing and noticing. We are thinking about God’s gifts to us. His love, His creation, His son. Everyday our food, shelter, families. Taking the time to notice and mark these wonderful gifts.

We sat captivated by our tiny brave heart. Then he waited for the crowd to really focus, and pulled our hearts closer: he turned and looked right at us! Staring down the lens. Seeing me!! We gasped and laughed. He knew he had us and flew off, delighted.

A friend saw the picture and said it was a moment of grace. That underserved, but freely given gift.

It was but we reflected more and minds turned to the grace of God. That divine and free offer of help we receive everyday, all our lives. Easter reminds us that He came and lived with us and gave so freely to us. We were astounded that the Robin came so close. We are overwhelmed that Jesus comes closer still, hears our heart’s cry, comforts our souls, and gives us grace to face each day.

^7-10 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work.

Ephesians 2 v 7, The Message Bible