When my now grown sons were in elementary school, one of their favorite teachers would often say, “You have two good boys. They are still in the making though…” 

I thought of this a couple of years ago and how it is applicable still.  While we all realize young children are “still in the making”, aren’t we all no matter our age? Thank God for that. 

Keeping this in the forefront of my mind has made me extend more grace to others. As someone who struggles with perfectionism for myself, it has helped me to extend grace to myself as well. Grace…so thankful for grace. For myself and others. As humans on this earthly journey, we are all fighting our own battles.  Where would we be without grace which is undeserved and unearned? 

We all wear many hats and have many roles. As a community volunteer,  an employee in the workplace, a wife, mother, grandmother and friend; I have learned to see myself, organizations  and others as “still in the making” and “unfinished”.

Less and less have I thought of situations in terms of “mistakes”, “blame” or “failure”, but more in terms of “being in process”, “a chance to grow”, and a “chance to learn and improve”.  

Tim Tebow, professional athlete and author said, “I have so many things to work on, and so many ways that I fail. But that’s what grace is all about. And I constantly wake up every morning trying to get better, trying to improve, trying to walk closer to God.” 

What a gift to be unfinished and to know when the sun rises tomorrow we can work on doing better and improving. Unfinished on this earth as earthly beings but made perfect in Christ as spiritual beings. A perfection not based on abilities, talents, or shortcomings. It is a win-win situation. 

The Mandisa song, “Unfinished”, always makes my spirits rise:

He started something good

And He’s gonna complete it

So I’ll celebrate the truth

His work in me ain’t through

I’m just unfinished

In 2021, take a minute and thank God for the gift of being unfinished  and having the chance to learn, grow, improve and serve. Celebrate and practice grace for yourself and others whenever possible remembering we are all, no matter our age, “still in the making.” 

Keep the Faith,

Donna