Grace for the Journey

We hold our breath for grace. ~ Sharon Smith from Tenth Church in Vancouver during morning sermon

Wow!! It seems like a long time since I woke up this morning. I had breakfast with my cousin and her family before they dropped me off at Sandy’s place. Sandy and I went to her church in downtown Vancouver where a sermon on grace was delivered. Grace was defined as an undeserved favour or God acting in goodness. I liked that definition. It is less heady than most I have heard. The readings were from Genesis and Sharon used Abraham as a model of grace. I felt challenged when she said that the call was not just for Abraham but for his people, a blessing for his nation. I may have to think what that means for me. She had us consider in three places the question, “What is this grace?” I have to ask that question of myself in this jubilee year.

Sandy and I were onboard the Celebrity Century by shortly after noon. We were treated to champagne as we entered the ship. I think we will be blessed this trip, with many graces. We had a two-minute massage in the spa and lay on these amazing, ceramic tile, HEATED loungers there. Where can I get one for my living room??

We have mostly wandered around the ship, though we took time to sit outside and enjoy the sun today as we are not sure how many sunny days we will have. We had a magnificent lamb supper, followed by crème brulee. We caught the early show and took a walk on the deck to catch the sunset, something that we won’t always have the opportunity to do with 23 hours of sunlight in Alaska.

I am excited as Day 1 of the journey ends. “What is this grace?” I must ask, at junctures of this journey. Tonight, I do feel as if I hold my breath and wait for the undeserved favours that will come my way in these next seven days.

Peace,

Suzanne