I’m attending a dinner party where the guests have been asked to share a quote, poem, or short story on the subject matter of “allowing grace to flow to us and through us.” No further instructions were given.
‘Grace’ is a ‘suitcase word.’ That is, it must be ‘unpacked’ to determine its meaning in any given context. There are 17 definitions of grace in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. One is “a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance.” Sanctification, in turn, means “the action or process of being freed from sin.” I’m not going there.
Another is “a temporary exemption; a reprieve.” Reprieve, in turn, means “to give relief or deliverance to for a time.” Is this life I’ve been given a temporary exemption or relief from death? If so, then every breath I take is grace.
Other definitions are “a charming or attractive trait or characteristic,” “a pleasing appearance or effect,” and “ease and suppleness.” These last three definitions segue into another plural definition, “Graces.”
In Greek mythology, the Graces are goddesses who symbolize beauty, charm, and goodness. They are three in number: Aglaia, who bestows brightness or splendor; Thalia, who bestows good cheer; and Euphrosyne the bestower of mirth and joy. According to one version, the Graces are the children of Zeus and Eurynome (a daughter of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys); in other, their parents are Zeus and Hera, the goddess of marriage, women, and family.
The Graces always appear as a group and not as separate individuals. Their main role is to bestow beauty, charm, goodness, and joy to all people. Unsurprisingly, they were usually associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love
In responding to the request to address the allowance of the flow of grace in and through me I bow in reverence to the Three Goddesses and with an open heart I accept the beauty, charm, goodness, splendor, good cheer, mirth, and joy they so willingly offer. I will open my eyes to see beauty, elegance, and goodness wherever it may be and with gratitude for the gifts of the Goddesses, I will allow generosity, kindness, empathy, and compassion to flow through me.