Some women want to age gracefully; others are intent on growing old, disgracefully!
Me? I think there’s a lot to be said for living as a graceful woman, no matter what your age. It’s certainly something I aim for.
That said, if grace was purely about the way we move, I would probably be an epic fail 😉 . I ain’t got much style or grace when I’m busting a move, it has to be said, and am somewhat lacking in the coordination department.
“Grace”. It’s a word that is used in so many different contexts – but what does it actually mean?
Here are just some of the more common uses, and I love how they all come together into graceful living:
What Does Grace Mean?
- A short prayer of thanks before a meal.
- Elegance and beauty of movement or expression (eg a ballerina).
- Effortless beauty and style.
- Seemliness: courtesy and consideration for others.
- If somebody graces us with their presence, we are saying that they have brought honour to our gathering.
- Sometimes if we are late paying a bill, the company will allow a few days grace (let you pay a little late, without any negative consequences).
- Free and unmerited favour – commonly used in church circles, about God.
So keeping all of this in mind, I think that Graceful Living:
- Comes from a thankful heart.
- Refers to the way we move through life – ie, our attitude.
- Is a part of us, not something we can “put on”.
- Cares about others and treats them well.
- Brings honour.
- Practises goodwill, leniency, and mercy.
- Exudes kindness and compassion.
I’ve put it all together in an acronym: G-R-A-C-E – Giving Readily And Cheerfully Everyday:
Giving … And I’m not talking about money! What about giving mercy, kindness, compassion, leniency, care, thanks, honour, respect …
Readily … Willingly. This comes from the overflow of the heart. What are you filling your heart with?
And
Cheerfully! The word grace comes from the Greek “charis” – a verb which means “rejoice” “be glad” or even “cheerful”!
Everyday … Grace is a lifestyle, a state of being.
Graceful Living Everyday
So what does graceful living look like in reality?
- Next time somebody cuts you off in traffic, give them a smile and a wave instead of a rude gesture. Remember, it’s not against you personally. Who knows what their day has been like or what they are going through!
- Or what about when you’ve worked late and your spouse hasn’t even started making dinner? You may be justified in feeling a bit miffed, but GRACE gives them a big hug, is glad to finally be at home, and together you check out the fridge and rustle up a quick meal or call for takeaway 😉 .
- Not murmuring and complaining when the boss doesn’t do things the way you think they should. It is remembering that they are probably doing the best that they can in the circumstances, and it could well be that there are directions from management which YOU are unaware of. Or even if they are an idiot, that doesn’t mean you can’t still do your own job to the best of your ability.
- Overlooking the fact that an acquaintance didn’t say hello when you passed her in the supermarket. Perhaps they had something else on their mind – or maybe they need glasses! Here’s a thought: why not smile and greet them first?
- Keeping cool and calm under fire.
Graceful Living starts with YOU
One last point: many women are full of grace when it comes to others – forgetting that they need to treat themselves with grace too. You can’t pour from an empty jug – so make sure you take care of yourself!
What does graceful living mean to you?