Sweet, Amazing Grace

I've been worn out lately. Absolutely exhausted.

Every day, I visualize my list of things to do for the day.

Do the laundry.
Watch what I eat.
Actually exercise (for once).
Don't forget that quiet time and Bible study!
Run the errands (go to the bank, run to the grocery store, etc.)
Write someone a card; be an encouragement.
Be more patient.

And it goes on and on, not including my to-do list at work or school.

It's tiring. And the rest of life is the same. I have my list of goals and things to accomplish. I want to get into law school, I want to develop my character over all, I want to be healthy.

I want to be accepted and loved for me.
But the question is: how do I earn that?

Here's the hard part: I don't. My list is one of perfection and seriously unattainable for me. Sure, I write it out as vague goals that all sound good to do. But inside, it's so much more complicated.

I need to be THIS weight and size.
I need to get THIS score on my exams and classes.
I need to get into THIS school and do THIS job.
Otherwise, I'm a failure.

I can't do it. I can't do all of it, I can barely do any of it.

But isn't that the point? I can't do it on my own. And I can't earn perfection.

That's where grace comes in.

Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

This is grace; that I need not worry, that I need not be anxious, that I rejoice in who God is and what He is doing for me.
That it is not my works and actions that receive glory, but His.

When I remember this, I feel that overbearing burden lifted away from me and feel those loving arms wrap around me. This is grace...this is real love. The kind we all so desperately crave.

And all we need to do is let it go and accept it.