Mercy and Grace

It occurred to me tonight what a big difference three credits can make. Last year, I took 12.5 credits in the Fall and 14.5 credits in the Spring (however, 6.0 credits was clinic so I essentially only had three classes to worry about). Last year went great! I had my best year grade-wise, I had comparatively less stress at home, etc.

This Fall, I'm enrolled in four classes and 15.0 credits. Almost as bad as being a first year law student! While I'm handling my stress better than 1L me, I'm definitely starting to feel a bit frayed.

Today I was struck by Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I am definitely in a "time of need," and I've definitely been on the receiving end of mercy and grace. Growing up, I learned mercy is not getting what you do deserve, and grace is getting what you don't deserve. For example, a law school friend wrote an email full of mercy after I had to apologize for dropping the ball on some commitments. Husband is always showing me such grace throughout the week, responding to my crabby rants with support and encouragement. Daughter's caretakers are constantly overlooking my short-term memory loss. Superfriends are exceedingly tolerant of only talking to me when I'm in my car commuting.

It makes me realize how influential my own small acts of mercy and grace can be in someone's life. I could not do what I do without God's mercy and grace, and that mercy and grace can only be imparted through the people He puts in my life.


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