“I’m more interested in looking at life, than looking away.” – Toni Morrison
This is one of my favorite quotes. It resonates with the writer in me. But it stirs the truth seeker in me because where we look is where we learn.
If I look away from life, there is undeniable pain. If I look behind, eventually I’ll find a regrettable choice.
But God’s grace provides a redemptive lens. It allows me to see where I am, where I’m going and where I’ve been in the light of His goodness. It is free and undeserved, although sometimes misunderstood.
Performance-based thinking and people-pleasing cloud our vision with countless reasons why a good life is not meant for us — or why we are not good enough. But grace brings Christ into view.
1 John 1:14, describes Jesus as full of grace and truth. In His fullness, He died for our sins so we can experience God’s goodness – whether life looks appealing or we need time to look away.
But as I look to Jesus, my wounds receive His healing. Repentance dissolves my regrets and grace and truth become my choice. Are you looking at life or are you looking away? Consider your answer. Then consider your focus. Grace to you too my friend.
“…And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” – Romans 12:1-2 NLT
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.
Carrie
I love the idea of where we look is where we learn!!
Joy
Thanks Carrie!
Anita Ojeda
Beautiful! I often forget to see myself as Jesus sees me–full of value and worth and a work in progress. Thank you for the reminder! I’m your neighbor at Holley’s today :).
Joy
Thanks Anita – and thanks for stopping by. Blessings to you!
messymarriage
I love your words here, Joy, especially “repentance dissolves my regrets.” What a beautiful way to say that invaluable reality we have through Christ! Thanks for inspiring us and I’d love to have you post a link to this on my linkup at messymarriage.com. This is just the kind of post I love to highlight there!
Joy
Thank you for your kind words! I look forward to checking out your link-up!
Karen
We always get the choice to live in regret or to embrace grace. This is the joyful truth of the Gospel. Thanks for reminding us of the life we’re invited to live in Christ!
Joy
Thanks Karen – and what an INVITATION it is! 🙂