Grace

I attend a bustling art fair and bump 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 see her and stop to visit.

When I comment on her popularity, Grace smiles. As if to explain, she says she has always lived and worked in the area and is active in church and school. She goes on to confess her 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.

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 so many for texting, and her concern 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 finds her way into their heart and responds to what it tells her.

Like so many, I am drawn to Grace and nourished by her presence.