Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:23-24 (MSG)

The Apostle Paul’s closing prayer to his friends reminds me of a time I experienced God’s pure grace and nothing but grace.

It was when I was excited about having lots of summertime fun for two-weeks with my grandchildren in their city! But just when I had adjusted to the hustle and bustle of their busy days, I got sick.

Two days in bed turned into a trip to the ER where my daughter and I were told my diagnosis required hospitalization and that an ambulance would transport me to another hospital in the area.

It was a blessing that I didn’t have time to panic because the EMT attendants were ready to transport me. They began asking medical questions while talking to me about my hometown and things we had in common—distractions. These friendly and even humorous conversations kept me calm.

From the ambulance I was wheeled down a long hallway where I read large letters on the wall —I C U— as I entered the unit. Thinking we were just passing through, a nurse swooshed in beside me to start the process of caring for me. As I glanced behind me, a blanket of peace enveloped me when I saw my son-in-law quietly sitting in the corner of the room. Since visiting hours were short in the ICU, he made sure he would be there when I arrived. God’s grace and comfort flowed through his quiet and gentle spirit as he met my every need while I was getting settled.

Moment by moment, I began to experience the familiar scripture about “peace that passes all understanding.” I breathed deeply thinking, “It truly is beyond our understanding and explanation.” I prayed, “Oh, Holy Spirit, you are all around me! Thank you!” (Philippians 4:6)

By that time, I knew my dear friends at home were already praying for me and passing around the news of my needs. “Dear Lord, thank you for prayer warriors!”

I learned the great truth that even while I was in that foreign and sterile environment, I  quickly fell into the rhythms of grace, healing and gratitude.

God’s constant abundance of grace deserves our constant gratitude—even during normal days. Sometimes our prayers of thanksgivings become less often than our prayers for our own requests.

Have you ever spent an entire day expressing only gratitudes to Jesus without asking Him one request? Today just may be the perfect day!

Jill Hendrix