In Response

The late humorist and author Lewis Grizzard once told about a time when he was being visited by his minister in the hospital. Grizzard was scheduled to have open-heart surgery the next morning and he confessed to his pastor that he had not exactly led a virtuous life. He asked if there was still time to repent. The minister looked at his watch and replied, “Yes, but I’d hurry if I were you.”

We can be grateful that God is indeed a gracious God! In response to that grace, in the time we’ve been given, may you and I live in such a way that the generosity, compassion, understanding, and grace of God flow through us – to the world around us. Remember, we have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others.

Let us pray: God of love, thank you for your grace. Thank you for opportunities to start over, to begin again, and to live differently. We remember today that life is short – and that there are no guarantees of tomorrow. Help us not to put off another day – what we know we should do today. If there are steps we need to take differently open our eyes to them. We love you, Lord, and ask for your grace, mercy, and peace to rest on us now; in Jesus’ name. Amen.