Looking at my to-do list, I see an unsettling sight. Unchecked boxes show the deficits in my daily grind.

I forgot to do something. Again. I’m behind schedule on this or on that. If I struggle with work-life balance, it creates a confusing grace-works balance. But being defined by my daily grind is quite different from being gripped by God’s grace.  All my doing or not doing begins to rest in what God in Christ has already done.

Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. – Colossians 1:22 NLT

Now, past mistakes become messages of wisdom. Present challenges prompt me to cast my cares to His care. Future glimpses fill me with the assurance of His faithfulness.

When you consider your to-do list, what do you see?

Whether a goal looks impossible, or my strength is depleted, a grace-focus does wonders for me. It’s always a welcome sight. Just hearing the word releases tension. As I live in the grip of grace, I can give from the grip of grace.

I can give the forgiveness given to me.
I can give generously from a grateful heart.
I can give myself a break from my to-do list.

Undoubtedly, goals and responsibilities matter; but my belonging to Christ matters most.

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. – Ephesians 2:8,9 Voice

This post is part of my "Lessons I've Learned About Life (so far)" series for the #write31days challenge. To find out more start here.