Today’s readings indicate a very simple and recurring message that can be summed up in two words: trust and grace. The concepts of trust and grace are two of my favorites along with faith, hope, and love. While the words are simple, the concepts are nothing short of awesome.
A number of years ago I wrote of trust and how the word itself has special meaning. As I noted previously, TrusT begins and ends with the cross and “u” is in the middle or “us” if you prefer. Either way, it is with our trust in God that we navigate this frail life. It is trust that forms (or should form) the foundation of our very existence. We learn trust at a very early age – babies trust that someone will pick them up when they cry – someone will feed them – hold them – change them. It may not be a conscious concept at that point in life, labeled with a word to describe it, nonetheless it is felt. It is that trust in our initial care providers that allows us to trust as we develop as thinking, feeling beings. We trust in God (even our money says so!). How is that trust manifest? We may not realize right away about the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. We may not fully understand the meaning of the cross that begins and ends the word TrusT. While I can articulate much about trust, it is still very challenging at times. I heard a song just this weekend that lyrics referenced trust and that God had never let us down before. I remember using that same line with my children many years ago when I was in a challenging professional position. I calmly told them that God had never let me down before and I was sure he wouldn’t now – that I would trust and search for the lesson to be learned with the situation.
For me, the greatest challenges for trust come when my children are involved. I pray and ask God’s presence in their lives – I ask for their hearts to be open. But I have to be very deliberate in my trust that seems to come more easily when it is my life rather than theirs. I know that such trust will give me peace, and I do come to it, but the road is bumpier.
On to Grace, a most beautiful word and concept that I also want to explore. We are so blessed to have such a concept in our lives. Grace – given although not deserved – just there for us when we believe. I think of the “grace” policies on insurance that I remember my mother mentioning when I was a child. It finally made sense as a young adult that this gift is truly that – a gift given freely not earned. As I was reflecting on Grace, I realized that most times when I need to give a “public” prayer I start with “Good and Gracious God.” Our God is, indeed, gracious – the embodiment of grace and all it means. I feel surrounded by grace always. I could not imagine a greater compliment than to be called gracious or graceful. My maternal grandmother’s maiden name was Gracie. When I looked up the meaning of that surname, the internet source identified it as descendent of Grace. No wonder I feel wrapped in it and comforted by it. I try always to remember it is by the Grace of God that I am who I am today and where I am today. I believe that I have used my gifts well but it is clear that these gifts were not originally earned. As we have heard before, our lives are our gift from God, what with do with them is our gift to God. Make God smile today with your gift to him!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
