"I've Learned"

 Of my younger days I often think,

Wild and crazy, bad to drink,

And into chaos often sink,

Back in my younger days.

I galloped fast and paid no mind,

To right or wrong but then I’d find,

That someone spoke the truth, was kind,

To show me better ways.

Off in the pasture, chasin’ a cow,

I thought I’d always be somehow,

But I was wrong, I will allow,

That was not all, you see.

The Good Lord had a better plan,

It’s taken my whole life to span,

And find that cowboy up I can,

But my life pleasing be.

I’ve learned the Lord will use it all,

Even times we shunned His call,

And time we wasted when awol,

Redeems it every bit.

But only when we learn to serve,

The Lord with faith that will not swerve,

But live for Him without reserve,

And don’t hold back, that’s it.

Yes, go all in, don’t quit.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:11-12, NIV)

When we think of grace we most often think of its unconditional nature. God’s grace is all about His unmerited favor, something we cannot earn or deserve. But grace does not only meet us where we are, it leads us to where we ought to be. Grace says yes to us, but teaches us to say no to our ungodly and worldly passions. The grace that forgives also transforms, and that’s good news to remember!

Lord, teach us to follow Your grace into a godly life, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mary Ross Buchholz, used by permission. Thanks, Mary, and God bless you.