Chapter July 19

"What if, in the midst of this chaos, we dared to offer something different? What if, instead of adding to the noise, we offered a moment of quiet, a space for grace to take root?" - Breakgiving

The new year arrives, and with it, the familiar chorus of resolutions – eat better, exercise more, learn a new language, finally organize that overflowing closet. We set our sights on self-improvement, on becoming shinier, more efficient versions of ourselves. Yet, amidst the flurry of self-focused goals, what if we considered a different kind of resolution? One that shifts the focus outward, to the world around us, to the people we encounter in our daily lives? What if, in the midst of this chaos, we dared to offer something different? What if, instead of adding to the noise, we offered a moment of quiet, a space for grace to take root?

This notion of offering quiet and grace may seem counterintuitive in a society that often equates busyness with importance and speed with success. We’re constantly bombarded with information, deadlines, and demands, leaving little room for stillness, for reflection, for simply being present with another human being. But perhaps, in this very frenzy, lies the greatest need for a different approach.

Imagine Olivia, the cashier at your local grocery store, juggling a long line of impatient customers while trying to maintain a cheerful facade despite the mounting pressure. Or picture David, a single father navigating the complexities of raising two young children while working full-time and struggling to make ends meet. In these everyday encounters, we have the opportunity to offer a moment of quiet, a pause in the relentless rush. It could be as simple as a genuine smile, a kind word, or a moment of eye contact that acknowledges their presence, their humanity.

I recall a time when I was rushing through a crowded airport, feeling the familiar pangs of travel-induced stress. As I fumbled with my boarding pass at the security checkpoint, a TSA officer, a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile, noticed my flustered state. Instead of barking orders or rushing me through, she paused, looked me in the eye, and said, "Take a deep breath. We'll get you through." That simple act of kindness, that moment of quiet amidst the chaos, instantly calmed my nerves and reminded me that even in the most impersonal of settings, human connection can bloom.

Quiet, in this context, is not merely the absence of noise. It's an internal state of presence, of attentiveness, of being fully engaged with the moment and the person before us. It's the ability to silence the internal chatter of our own anxieties and judgments, creating space for empathy and understanding to emerge. It's also the ability to create a space of external quiet for others – to truly listen without interrupting, to offer our undivided attention, to allow them to be heard without judgment.

Grace, in its essence, is a form of understanding, a recognition that we are all flawed, imperfect beings doing the best we can with the tools we have. It's the ability to extend compassion to ourselves and others, to forgive mistakes, and to allow for growth and change. Grace is not about condoning harmful behavior, but about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, even when they stumble.

Offering grace is not always easy. It requires a conscious choice, a willingness to step outside of our own ego and see the world through another's eyes. It may mean choosing to forgive someone who has wronged us, or offering a second chance to someone who has made a mistake. It may involve setting boundaries when necessary, but doing so with compassion and respect.

In the tapestry of our daily lives, these moments of quiet and grace may seem small, insignificant. But like tiny threads woven into a larger design, they can have a profound impact on the overall fabric of our existence. A kind word to a stranger, a patient ear to a friend in need, a moment of understanding offered to a colleague – these seemingly insignificant acts can create a ripple effect of compassion and connection that extends far beyond the initial interaction.

As we embark on this new year, let us consider how we might weave more moments of quiet and grace into our daily lives. Let us be mindful of the opportunities we have to offer a break, a pause, a moment of respite to those around us. It may be a challenging resolution, one that requires us to step outside of our comfort zones and confront our own ingrained patterns of behavior. But the potential rewards are immeasurable – a world where kindness and compassion are the norm, where empathy and understanding bridge the divides that separate us, where the quiet hum of human connection creates a symphony of peace.

Perhaps, in the end, the greatest gift we can offer ourselves and others is not another self-improvement project, but a moment of quiet, a space for grace to bloom, a reminder that we are all in this together, navigating the complexities of life with our own unique burdens and joys. And perhaps, in these shared moments of quiet and grace, we will discover a deeper, more meaningful kind of resolution – a resolution to be more present, more compassionate, more human.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12