When I was growing up in Sydney there was a furniture removalist company called ‘Grace Removals’, with the slogan, “The best moves are made with Grace!”

‘Grace’ is an interesting word. It’s what some people say before having a meal, thanking God for the provision of food. It’s also used to describe elegance and refinement, such as the smooth movement of an accomplished ballerina; to honour someone with your presence; or an act of courtesy. ‘Grace’ also can refer to an undeserved expression of kindness. In fact the word is capable of several meanings.

However the meaning I’m referring to in this article is the last, an undeserved act of kindness.

As I look back over my relatively long life (78 years at the time of writing) most of the things I love, value and appreciate have not resulted from what I planned, worked for or deserved. I’m thinking of my loving parents, my gorgeous wife, (who knows how to handle me when I’m impatient), my wonderful children, my beautiful grandchildren, my faith and values, my relatively good health, the friends, mentors and coaches who have shaped and encouraged me, my career experiences and the opportunities to travel extensively around the world. Most of these blessings have come as gifts of grace with a minimal role on my part. For example, I’m currently writing this article in our hotel room in Florence one week into a seven week European holiday planned and organised by my darling wife.

However, I realise this is not everybody’s experience. The vicissitudes of life seem to favour some people more than others – there is a degree of mystery here. Nevertheless, some people who live with challenging circumstances have found expressions of grace and blessing notwithstanding their condition. For example, Dylan Alcott the famous para-Olympian tennis champion, has publicly stated he would not trade his mobility limitations for a fully functional physical body. His condition, he has said, has opened so many doors for him.

I’m sure many reading this article who, like me, are in their senior years would concur. So if that’s our experience what does that mean for how we should live?

Essentially, I believe just as we have experienced grace in our lives we are called to extend grace to others. This includes acts of generosity, loving kindness, compassion and consideration. Not because people necessarily deserve it – in fact some don’t. The very reality of our shared humanity is sufficient reason for acting with grace and kindness to one another. And who knows, our acts of kindness to those who are self-centred and inconsiderate might serve as a spur that could cause them to reconsider their behaviour.

Finally…

Let me be clear with one small caveat. Acting with grace doesn’t mean we should not be assertive. When people fail, hurt or betray us, it is important to confront them with the consequences of their actions. Otherwise, how will they learn to take responsibility. Having said that, it takes wisdom to be able to discern when and how to challenge them. This is where Jesus whose life exhibited grace always got the balance right. He comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable. Indeed, “the best moves are made with grace!” And leaders who act consistently with grace make a truly positive impact on those who are part of their team.

by Graham Beattie

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