January 18th

“But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.” Ephesians 4:7

it doesn’t come in, banging
the door open like a little kid.
no, grace is like that soft breeze
stirring the curtains in the morning.
we don’t all receive the same portion,
but each of us has that amount
we need, weighed out by Love.
a thimble here, a cup there,
a river for him, a waterfall for her,
whatever we need to fill
that emptiness inside of us.
it is a gift that is not scattered
carelessly like easy promises
but offered for those whose
hearts are shattered,
for all who know the ache of waiting,
everyone who knows what
each day costs them.
it’s not a competition but an invitation
to serve where you find yourself
to share what is given
to stop standing next to others
to see who is better, wiser, whatever
that’s grace
never more than we need,
nor less than what we can share,
just enough to become
the love which is needed
wherever we are.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman