Years ago, when my boys were young and into finding secret places, they did just that. Many imaginary scenarios played out in the secret place tucked behind the eaves of our cape cod house. There was just enough room for little boys to crawl from here to there. What I planned for extra storage became the dreams of childhood. A space for grace-a hideaway for boys-a playground for getaways where no adults were allowed.
My sons have since shared some of their escapades in the secret place. The biggest one being an escape from nap time as they scurried from one room to the other. All I know is they were quiet. Isn’t that every mom’s dream?
Remembering this time in life is an act of embracing the past and the lessons which came so easily to little boys. Allowing myself to circle my mind around a secret place is a lesson in knowing we all need a space for grace. In my sons’ secret place, childhood played out. Brothers discovered friendship and Batman had a new Bat Cave. It was a win-win for everyone.
But life does not always come with secret places and when struggles ensue, where do we find our hideaway? Where is our space for grace when we lose jobs? Or how do we handle the loss of a loved one? When do we admit that until we find our own secret place, we will remain in a holding pattern?
My life has not always turn out as planned or imagined. I hear stories and experience the real life challenges from loved ones and many of you who are part of this community. My heart aches for those who are hurting and I question “why” in many circumstances. I try to wrap my head around how those who struggle move forward past the feelings of rejection, loss and uncertainty. My response to life’s struggles is to go to the only hideaway I know- God – and let Him envelop me in His grace and wisdom.
I started diving into what grace means and how this can help when we need the secret place to heal and restore what was lost. I came across this quote from Max Lucado. His words speak directly to the healing power of grace.
― Max Lucado, Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
The space for grace is a no regrets, safe place to dream and immerse yourself in God’s truth. The beauty you find within is full of redemption and the gift of knowing God loves you. You can let go of the push and pull that whispers you need to prove yourself over and over to receive God’s grace. Stepping across the threshold is your chance to leave your fear at the door and walk in fully aware you are worthy and welcome by God no matter what your circumstances might be. You will always have a place at God’s table.
[Tweet “Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. Max Lucado”]
My son’s learned the importance of securing their hideaway. They knew their dreams and imaginations were safe in the secret place under the eaves.
May we all take the lead from two little boys who learned the importance of a secret place for dreams, second chances and grace.
Embracing grace along the way!
Linking today with:
and Dawn for Grace Moments
He is our hiding place. Our always safe, secret refuge. A place we are always accepted and loved. I had many places to “go” when I was growing up. I find I miss them now. I’m still learning to escape and draw near to Him regardless of circumstances. Great post, Mary!
We all need a secret place where God is invited to join us. A place where grace is present and love surrounds us. I pray we all find this place and know that God would love to be with us.
Love that Max Lucado quote. Uplifting message. Something I need to start the week.
Thank you for always encouraging me. I love that you stop by to read my words.
Mary…You may sometimes wonder if I’m still reading your blog. I am. Sometimes, I save them and read several at one sitting. You remember those crazy days of teaching!!! Often, I may find time to read them, but not time to respond. It doesn’t mean you haven’t hit home with quite a few of them. I felt your pain when I found out, belatedly, about your Dad passing away; I rejoiced when you celebrated your son’s wedding. I wanted badly to join you in your healthier life style choices, but I had to recognize when too much was just plain too much.
This blog spoke to me in a way I could never put in words to you. I just want you to know, it spoke to me and how much I appreciate the timeliness of it in my circumstances.
For now, I just wanted to say thank you and God bless you!
I don’t wonder if you still stop by to read my words. I know your heart and I know you read as time allows. I am blessed by knowing that the words in this post were just what you needed to hear. I pray you are well and that your school year is going okay.
Thank God our security is in Him! No need for safe hideaways when we are with Him. His name is a strong tower and when we run to it we are safe.
How are you friend?
Many Blessings to you
God is our safe refuge all the time. He is the strength we need. Thank you for being here and for sharing God’s truth.
Beautiful, hope filled post, Mary! I smiled at the thought of your sons’ hideaway. It reminded me of some of the unsafe places I used to crawl into as a child, thinking no-one would find me there. These words could be a clarion call for all who follow Jesus: “My response to life’s struggles is to go to the only hideaway I know- God – and let Him envelop me in His grace and wisdom”, because He is our safe place when a world weighs heavy. Though it can take us a while to realise it and to automatically turn to Him above all things. You always offer us great soul food here. Blessed to read your words today. xo
Thank you Joy! Your presence here is always a welcome sight. God is so good to bless me with words and writing about grace never fails to remind me of God’s goodness and forgiveness. I pray we let go and let God in all areas of our lives and allow His grace to be the precious salve when wounds hurt and need to be healed. Praying your week has been blessed and you have had many opportunities to write.
Mary,
Beautiful!! I love that quote by Max Lucado. Only God can take us from insecure to God-secure. With me, I often feel like He had to tear me apart and then reassemble me. The tearing apart hurt, but what He put back together was so much stronger than what I was before…stronger in His love and faithfulness. Continuing to lift you in prayer sweet friend,
Blessings,
Bev xo
You are such a dear to stop by and encourage me so graciously. Only God can put us back together again and the beauty is that He loves doing it and will aways do it. I pray your weekend has been good and your ministry work is going well. Blessings!
I absolutely love this post. I think I shared it a handful of time haha!! The message of the hideaway and healing, of Grace coming after you, of God always having a place for you…oh it warms my soul like hot soup on a fall day. Thanks, Mary, I was so blessed by this!
Meghan- I was so blessed by how graciously you shared this post. Forgive me for responding so late. I am in the middle of a writing project but your kind words and sharing on social media was such a gift. I pray you have had a wonderful weekend!
The Lord is that safe and secret place where grace can always be found. What a beautiful and inspiring post, Mary! I can just imagine your little sons running around your home–looking for those special hiding places. I can relate to your many “mama memories.” They pop up in unexpected places these days! 😉
I know you can relate to momma memories. When we set our kids free and they stretch their wings to fly on their own, we are flooded with memories but also the gift of knowing God has a beautiful plan for them too. I can just imagine your boys have many stories to tell you that you don’t remember or that you are trying to forget!!! 😉 So glad we share similar journeys at least with raising boys. Hope your weekend has been blessed.
Love that Max Lucado quote. I wish I had found that quote a year ago when I was writing “31 Stories of God’s Grace!” Great post friend.
I love the quote too. It would have been perfect for your 31 days last year. Thank you for stopping by and I hope your 31 days series is going well this year.
Mary, your post reminded me of a closet I used to hide in when I was a little girl. I had my hiding places and those places where a child’s imagination could roam free. I love how you brought that into the adult world. We need that space for grace. God offers it. The question is, will I wrap myself up in it?
“The space for grace is a no regrets, safe place to dream and immerse yourself in God’s truth. The beauty you find within is full of redemption and the gift of knowing God loves you. ” Loved this truth right here!
Thank you, my friend.
I love that you are part of this community and you share such kind encouragement. My escape when I was young was anywhere where my brothers could not find me. I do feel I had many opportunities to dream and imagine. My parents were good at nurturing that kind of dreaming. As an adult it so much harder to let ourselves dream as well as tuck ourselves away when we need the space for grace. I pray we are able to always make room for the grace of God when we need it most in our lives. Blessings!
This is lovely. I’m thankful that with God we always have a safe place to go where we can receive his grace. I love the Max Lucado quote.
I love the Max Lucado quote too. May we all give thanks today that God is our safe place always. Blessings on the rest of your week.
Your boys’ little escapades make me smile, Mary. And such a great analogy on how we need space for grace. I love to step across the threshold of our hideaway to God where we can feel safe and “walk in fully aware you are worthy and welcome by God no matter what your circumstances might be.” I love how you end this – “Embracing grace along the way!” Thank you for this encouragement to embrace grace! Blessings and hugs to you!
You always bring a smile to my face when you stop by. Little boy escapades are the best and the fact that I was so busy being mom when they were little makes the stories even better. It is a treat to hear them from the grown son perspective. Thank you for your kind words today. I pray you have any opportunities to walk across the threshold into the secret place with God. Thank you for being such a dear friend.
Hi Mary! I can just see those rascals giggling while they find their hidey-hole during naptime. So darn cute!
Your conclusion that God is our only true place of peace is so true. I know that I have tried to find peace in other places, but it just never lasts. We are always on the hunt for God in our very souls anyway, whether we realize it or not. Being with the Lord is my only true rest. May God keep reminding me of it, so I don’t settle for something else!
Blessings,
Ceil
I love the stories my grown sons share about childhood. I will admit there are times I wonder if I was really there because I do not remember all their escapades. 😉 We are always on a hunt for something. Just think how much faster we would find it if we went straight to God first? May God remind all of us that true rest is found in Him. Thank you for being here.
Love the Max Lucado quote and your boys’ hideaway. Oh, those sweet memories – both for your boys and us as we’re wrapped in grace. Visiting via #raralinkup.
Love having you here Kristi! Any secret childhood hideaway is a treasure and hearing the stories now that my sons are grown is a gift. I love how God wraps us in grace. I pray you steal a few minutes to sneak away with God today and let Him wrap you so tenderly in His love and grace.
“You can let go of the push and pull that whispers you need to prove yourself over and over to receive God’s grace. ” I love this line. There is so much freedom in letting go of having to ‘prove’ ourselves. And ‘securing’ our place in Him. Security in the sense of confidence in who I am has been a noun that God is bringing to my mind lately—maybe as a next step to on this journey as He prepares me for what is coming? Time will tell!
I am praying for those next steps Lynn! One of the things I love about reading other blogs is how God speaks and affirms things for me through others’ words. I hope the same happens for you here. Resting in confidence in God is a process I struggle with at times as I let the worldly voices overtake God’s truths for me. I need to let go once and for all and let God do the rest. Thank you for giving me thoughts to ponder in my own life. Blessings!
Brings a smile to face. Thanks for the encouraging challenge to find space for grace, Mary!
My sons always bring a smile to my face and that’s what kids do. I pray the challenge to find your space for grace becomes a beautiful meeting between God and you. Blessings!
Funny the things we mums of boys learn AFTER they’ve grown up and can tell us the REAL story!
I’m thankful for this post today, because I’m looking at a situation that is going to require more grace from me than I think I have available — of course, I”m not taking into consideration the truth that God is “giving the power to pull it off” every minute of my life!
Blessings to you, today!
One of my favorite things about my grown sons is hearing their stories from when they were young. Such a treat! I imagine you have heard of few of those yourself. I am praying for you as you seek grace for the situation that you are facing. God is giving you the power to pull it off. Lean into Him. Blessings on the rest of your week!
Great post, Mary.
I’ve found that the best place to meet grace is standing upright in the howling desolation of my own mistakes. Not trying to pass them off, not trying to make things ‘all better’ before their time.
Just standing and waiting for the Judgement.
Grace comes, but it doesn’t save me from consequences, and the knowledge of what might have been had I been more diligent.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/09/your-dying-spouse-211-abyss.html
I love your description of receiving grace in your authenticity and vulnerability. We live in a world of smoothing things over and pricing that everything is okay. Your words bring fresh insight to grace that meets us in our place of raw honesty. Thank you for your words and encouragement here today. Blessing and prayers, Andrew!