A Month of Grace

 I remember this time last year seeing someone post about a writing challenge in October. It excited me because I needed something to get me motivated to start writing and hold me accountable for writing consistently. But at the same time, I didn't have a website. And I didn't feel like I could throw one together in time to participate. 

But actually, I definitely could have thrown one together. I just didn't want to throw something together. I wanted it to be complete. To be finished. To be perfect. All before I started writing.

And there's the catch. 

That need to accomplish even before I begin.
But since last year, I've learned a ton about myself and my innate desire to achieve and to try, to work hard and to accomplish. And when it comes to writing and blogging, I've learned that something doesn't have to be perfect for me to hit publish. Things don't have to be completely in order to get started. If I reach for perfection in everything, I'm going to be let down every time. Because if I wait for perfection, I'll never just do what I've been called to do. So I've learned to just start.

And there's the difference.

The desire to begin in order to just be faithful.

Last year I couldn't start because I was scared of not having a good product. This year I can accept the challenge of writing every day in October because I'm learning to give myself grace and just do what the Lord has assigned for me. Fear will always make me procrastinate and hold back. Grace will always give me confidence and strength to persevere in the journey. And not just persevere, but maybe even enjoy it. 

So here's to a month filled with stories and vulnerability and Scripture that point us to the sweet grace of Jesus. May this month help us to accept His grace and give it to ourselves and others lavishly.