Facing Grace

I attend a bustling art fair and run into Grace, an acquaintance from long ago. During the 45 minutes we ‘hang out’ at the booth of a shared friend, no less than three groups of people recognize her and stop to visit

When I comment on her popularity, Grace smiles and ‘explains’ she has always lived and worked in the area and is active in church and school. She goes on to confess her adult daughter drove to the fair with her but they agree to shop separately as the daughter prefers to avoid the ‘interruptions’ that accompany her mother.

Inclined toward humor, Grace makes no effort to impress. She asks thoughtful questions and her attention doesn’t wander from whomever she is with.

She mentions the preference of young people for texting, concerned they will lose the ability to look at another’s face and sense who needs help. It’s then I realize Grace sees the inner condition of people. She feels her way into a person’s spirit and responds to what it needs.

Like so many others, I am drawn to Grace, nourished by all she brings to the world.