Grace, Bucking Horses, and Freedom

She asked me what it was like growing up. She wasn't there even though we share the same name now. I thought about it for a second and I reverted to a teenager, rebellious and wild, a bucking horse wanting freedom. Freedom to choose poorly? Freedom to make mistakes? Freedom to regret? Let's be honest, those are our choices when we walk down paths not yet paved. Wisdom comes and clears paths, then we walk, truly free.
I told her he was protective. I told her he was strict. I stopped talking at that point, blocking the drive down a rocky road of time.
Later that night, shower running, I thought back to his parenting. I could have said, truthfully, he always did his best. Even if it wasn't the best for me, even though I truly needed more, he always did his best.
And then G R A C E stepped.
God saw his heart and he also saw mine, and then He stepped in. Grace covered that bucking horse and brought her to true freedom.
A relief flooded over me, like the steamy water rushing the faucet. I've questioned my parenting, like all moms do. I've thought of my children's futures and prayed that they would live bright, always. I've studied the ones who have gone before us and taken notes on the "successful" ones. But now, such a relief, simple grace. G R A C E.
The next time that you recognize your lack, maybe in parenting, the lack in your abilities at work or your lack in communicating with your husband, remember that He only asks you for your best, your all, and then grace steps in.
Ha ha! You can't lose. The path has already been cleared for you.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Full.