I’ve almost done many things. I almost kept my patience while waiting in traffic the other day. I almost met my goal of avoiding last-minute shopping. And I almost didn’t write a blog post this week. In each case I debated an alternate solution in my mind.

While stuck in traffic, I mentally plotted another course. Would an alternate route have fewer delays? While speed-shopping on Christmas Eve, I wondered if I was getting the best bargains. And as I contemplated not writing a post for this week, I considered if readership would be low because of the holidays.

Then a simple truth overwhelmed me. Almost can be a beautiful thing when it meets the grace of God. To solve my traffic dilemma, I took a different route. I’ll never know if it was quicker but it was a lot less annoying.

I power-shopped and managed to forget only one ingredient (the cherry topping for a cheesecake). And a friend called me a few days ago to say how much she was enjoying reading this blog. Her comments provided the motivation I needed to write this week’s post.

Is there something you are almost ready to do? On countless occasions, God’s grace enables me to complete task or talks that I would have otherwise left unfinished. But there are some things that need to stay in the not-there-yet category. Thankfully, the grace of God also keeps me from doing or saying something I would later regret.

I have a growing appreciation for what has almost taken place in my life. Some events stand as a monument of what God has prevented by His grace. And yet, I can sense other events are just about to happen. I can hear the whispers of God’s promises or see hints at my potential.

Yes, almost can be a beautiful thing. And as we are almost at the end of 2014, here’s some good news: whatever almost did or didn’t happen this year, God in His grace meets us where we are. He’s not almost where we are – He’s where we’ve been, He’s in this moment, and He is where we’re going. Whether the past, present, or future is appealing or daunting to us, we have the opportunity to encounter God. We can seek His forgiveness, abide in His love, and experience His power in ways that complete our lives. Such knowledge of Him brings hope to the heart and joy to the soul.

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” – Ephesians 3:10 NLT