Back in the dark ages—at the time of our marriage—we emerged from the wedding ceremony, greeted by rice. Rice was everywhere. It was in our clothes, our hair, on the ground, in the car, in suitcases, and consequently in our hotel. For weeks rice appeared in unexpected places.

Rice was a great symbol. Rice sustains the world. Family and friends with double hands of heaping rice wished newlyweds the symbolic blessing of health, wealth, and happiness. Watering the symbol down with soap bubbles is a deep cultural loss. How can soap bubbles serve as a replacement? (May you always be clean? May your marriage evaporate like a bubble?)

Each morning as I awake, I want to fill my heart and hands with grounds of Grace as if it were rice.

With focused intentionality, I will proceed through the day looking for targets to receive a shower of grace.

I begin the day by reflecting on the ways God is gracious with me. I have to cut short the exercise because the list is enormous. Through my words and actions, I make sure I shower my wife with grace. I will want to bless my children. How will I throw some grace at them?

I will throw some Grace Rice straight up in the air and let it cover my head. Because of Jesus, I can be gracious with the stumbles I will make today.

The next opportunity arrives behind the wheel of my car. Throughout the day, I will have opportunity to shower grace on my fellow drivers. That act alone will drastically change my day.

The reality of the city is multiple encounters with people who are often sullen, ungracious, or detached. It is a wonderful opportunity to throw Grace Rice in their direction.

Through the normal routine of telephone, email, and text messages, I can include sincere gifts of grace. A dose of intentionality will keep me from the loss of blessing others.

As I read and listen to daily news briefs, my filter of Grace Rice processes the input. I respond with grace grounds of empathy, quick prayers, and personal resolutions. I make myself aware that Jesus just heard the same sound bite.

Confession time.

My day doesn’t look enough like what I have just described.

I resolve to do better. It would be a wonderful way to finish the race dashing toward the string strung tight across the track throwing Grace Rice in every direction.

What are your reflections? Stay tuned. – Gary Sorrells