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A few years ago, Sheryl hit what she thought was her breaking point. Grief upon grief was coming her way. You will love what she discovered instead.

But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain…
1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)

It can happen when you least expect it. One moment you feel like you have it together, and the next moment you realize you have reached your breaking point.

This was one of those times. My father passed away a couple of months ago, and I was in the process of cleaning out his house– a house filled with so many memories. This house was originally built by my grandparents’ best friends, next door to my grandparents’ house. As a young girl, I visited this beautiful sanctuary, filled with love and laughter, often. It is now an empty, run-down, shell of what it once was.

All that week I waited to be swept under by the tide of grief I knew was coming. I had sorted through my father’s things, my brother’s things, and my grandparent’s things, all without the comfort and strength of my husband at my side. Once again, I was dealing with attorneys, when all I want to do is sit in a corner and cry. The week began with the discovery that the ceiling had collapsed in one room due to roof damage -a perfect metaphor for the week ahead.

The emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion has been overwhelming, but the work must get done. I pressed on. Somehow, I managed to keep it all together. But it won’t last.

Blessings arrive

I was incredibly blessed that week– my son-in-law and a close friend of his flew from Texas to Florida to help. They cleaned, packed, painted, and repaired things from morning to night for four days. They loaded a truck with a few family keepsakes and prepared for the drive home. As the time came for them to depart, I started to thank them for all they have done. As the words started to spill out, so did the tears. I had reached my breaking point. But instead of being broken by the pain, I was broken with gratitude. And once again, in the midst of pain, I saw His grace.

God has been with me every step of the way–sometimes in the most unexpected ways. My husband always took care of all of the repairs for our home. While he was not gifted with the handyman “gene” – he was gifted with the ability to call and schedule repairmen to do whatever needed to be done. I hate making those calls, especially in a town where I don’t know anyone.

Unexpected relationships

The first day I got to town, I went to my dad’s neighbors to let them know I would be working on the house. One neighbor was a kind widow and a realtor with all kinds of contacts. She jumped right in and started calling people for me and getting appointments set up. She even invited me over in the evenings for supper and some TV time. And although she never really knew my father, we become friends in just a few short days. She understood my grief and pain, but she didn’t understand my faith. She was bombarded with religious “do-gooders” and didn’t want to be preached to. In this unexpected relationship, I prayerfully testified to God’s grace in whatever way He led me.

His Grace toward me was not in vain

What I needed most that week was a reminder of the bigger picture–the picture of His grace in my pain.

I thought I would reach my breaking point; instead, I was gently broken by His grace. I am so grateful.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for Your Grace which You so generously lavish upon us. Your love astounds us! Help us to keep our focus on You and to love You more! Amen.