Space and Grace

A very wise and kind woman in my life told me about how she heard someone say to give people "space and grace." And for a while, that has really stuck with me. I kept thinking about what that meant to me. The only thing I can think of is Jesus. He gives us space and grace all the time, He gives us time to learn for ourselves, He stands by but from a distance. And he gives us grace in everything we are and do. He accepts us for us. The term "space and grace" makes me feel like it is okay to ask for room from people and their constant support. You are allowed to take time for yourself. And giving people grace is not just about loving them even if you don't agree with them or what they do or who they are. Giving someone grace is being someone like Jesus. Being someone who can be there from a distance and never give up on them no matter how much they annoy you or disrupt your peace. If you have love for them that 'grace' will never disappear.

You never really know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turned someone's entire life around. You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. So don't wait to be kind. Don't wait for someone else to be kind first. Don't wait for better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind, because you never really know how much someone may need that grace.

I can't speak for everyone, but in most cases, people are afraid to leave someone alone when they are going through something difficult. And in all honesty, at least for me, sure I love that my family and friends care so much to be there for support but I am the kind of person who likes to process on my own terms, alone, with God, and my thoughts. Don't get me wrong I appreciate the people I love being there to hold me and hug me and hold my hand. But in order for me to heal, I have to deal with the mental, emotional growth that is behind it, on my own, with no outside influence. So I think when giving people space, along with grace, it is better to allow them to heal while still being there for support when they ask for it. Don't push, or be the one who lets them push. Because 'space' doesn't always mean physical space, it can also mean allowing the decisions and help to be their decision. Asking for help and support and saying no to it.

Give people the space to breathe the way they need to, and give them the grace to be able to do so with no judgment.

Just space and grace.

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November 1, 2021

Lindsay Anderson