Be gracious

But He gives us more and more grace. That is why He says, 'God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace to the lowly' (those humble enough to receive it).
James 4:6

"There is a price to be paid for being gracious. The person who pays is the one who does the gracious act. The recipient of grace pays nothing. Grace is free."
Minute of Grace.

This morning I’ve had need to investigate 'graciousness'....

“This word is reserved for people who recognize that they are privileged to receive what they have been given. A gracious person is wonderful just to be "around. So what is a gracious person?

• A gracious person is slow to take credit and quick to lavish praise.
• A gracious person never seeks to embarrass another. Humiliating another is not in this person’s vocabulary. (s/he doesn’t humiliate another and then try to escape responsibility by saying, "I was only joking.")
• A gracious person is always thanking others. Do you go through an entire day without thanking another?
• A gracious person doesn’t monopolize the conversation. Someone else has something to offer.
• A gracious person doesn’t try to play "one up-manship." ("That’s nothing, you should have seen what I did!")
• A gracious person pays attention to people. Sometimes people come away from such conversations saying, "He made me feel like I was the most important person at that moment."
• A gracious person desires to say what is appropriate. He doesn’t just say what is on his mind or whatever he might be thinking. (There is no redeeming value in emptying one’s mind of whatever fleeting thought has happened to land at the moment.)
• A gracious person looks out for the comfort of others. "Would you like a cup of coffee? Can I get you a newspaper while I’m out?" etc.
• A gracious person understands that s/he is not indispensable. She doesn’t require constant attention.
• A gracious person constantly points out the good that s/he sees."

This very worthy list by John Martin has been blogged and quoted many times. Along with the early quotes it prepares me to set my heart and mind straight for today.

Last year we were asked to put forward expressions of interest for a 4 day 'teaching and learning' seminar, all expenses paid. I felt sure that I'd be chosen. Afterall, I'm a new teacher, eager to learn and open to challenge. But am I really?

Yesterday the assistant principal broke the news... leadership believes that I need to concentrate on my behaviour management skills before I can apply "more advanced practice". So I wasn't one of the four chosen to go to Melbourne. Instead it's a one day of 'restorative practice' T & D day for me.

I've been wailing loudly on the inside... "But I've managed my classes beautifully this year", "It's not fair" and "so this is all I'm worth" etc etc

Facing my complete lack of graciousness in the face of disappointment is an opportunity to learn something far more fundamental than how to teach others effectively. In His perfect graciousness my heavenly Father addresses my character in the melting pot of life. Ok, separate the dross.

And my two extra's for Mr Martin's list

• A gracious person gently offers tough love, seasoned with forgiveness, even though it costs
• A gracious person accepts disappointment, hardship and discipline with God's higher purposes in mind. There is no need to defend the self - "humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up"