Good…Better…Best
Tom Barnard 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves.
It is the gift of God—not of works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8, 9 NIV) 

Amazing

Isn’t it amazing that tears and rain alike
can cleanse the stain that living brings,
and leave all fresh and bright?

 Isn’t it amazing that a Savior from above
came to earth to save our souls,
because of holy love?

 Isn’t it amazing that each is given free,
the tears, the rain, the saving grace?
God gave them all to me.
Gael Phaneuf  

Good…Better…Best. They are called “modifiers.” They help us grade certain variables of life—everything from tires to seats in airplanes. Here are three categories and their synonyms:

 ·        Good: Average, Standard, Regular, Normal, Expected, Bronze-medal-winner, Coach Class

·        Better: Mid-range, Above-average, Unexpected, Silver-medal-winner, Business Class

·        Best: Excellent, Superior, Top-flight, Outstanding, Gold-medal-winner, First Class

 Then there is a category still higher than best. If you are not seated, be seated now. Here it is:

·        Amazing: Incredible, Superior, Unequaled, Off-the-charts, Unbelievable, Out-of-this-world

 “Amazing” describes God’s grace: Unmerited, Beyond measure, Astonishing, Awesome, Unique

 In his book, In the Grip of Grace (Word Publishing, 1996), Max Lucado told a story about being on a plane and seated next to a fourteen-year-old named Billy Jack. The boy introduced himself to Lucado by saying, “Good, I’m glad you’re sitting by me. Sometimes I throw up.” What a way to begin a flight! Near the conclusion to the story, the author said, “I remembered Billy Jack. He would have understood the idea of grace. He knew what it was like to place himself totally in the care of someone else.” (p. 182)

 Grace is placing yourself totally in the care of the Someone Else who created the universe. That is why we call it “Amazing.”

 Heavenly Father, I don’t ask for wisdom to understand your grace. I ask for courage to celebrate it. I ask for your patience as I learn how to place myself totally in your care. I ask for your forgiveness for being so slow in doing so. And I ask for faith to accept your grace as you offer it to me without reservation. In the Name of the Giver of Grace I pray. Amen.

 The poem by Gail Phaneuf can be found in Seasons of the Heart, edited by Sara Tarascio, Salesian Missions, 1995.