If you’re going through a hard season, give yourself grace! We need rest and to take care of ourselves, and not push ourselves.

As we receive grace from God, and give ourselves grace, we are more able to extend grace to the other people in our lives.

This word, “grace,” has been on my mind. But what does it look like in my practical, lived-out life?

Here are some of the things I’ve tried. I’m curious what your answer is to this question, too!

I can give myself grace to…

…feel and acknowledge my feelings. While still owning them and loving others.

…make an easy dinner. Banana bread was my solution the other night, with cheese and fruit!

…do something pleasant. We’ve enjoyed Catan and Perfect Strangers, a comedy TV from the 80’s.

…only do what needs to be done today – prioritize – many things can wait!

… do something just for me. Like read a book or do a little yoga (the puppy can wait 20 minutes!).

…say I’m sorry and offer forgiveness, because we both might not be at our best.

Even more than all of these, the most significant way we can give ourselves grace is by making space to spend still, quiet moments with Jesus.

Sit.

Be still.

Open the Word.

Quietly read, or think, or pray, or journal.

Ask God what he wants to show you; ask what your soul needs.

This space may not look externally productive. But it creates the space we need to receive grace from God. When we rush on with our day, we prevent ourselves from receiving the rest and grace these moments with Jesus provide us with, sustain us with. And the fruit of these moments will become visible in our lives.

We can be small because God is big.

We can lack control because He’s in control.

He invites us to depend on Him.

And this speaks grace to our souls, releasing us from the pressure and hurry and expectations we burden ourselves with. And in turn, we are more free to show grace toward others as well.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

What does grace look like in your practical, lived-out life?

Which word or phrase in the verses above stand out to you? How can you extend that kind of grace to someone in your life today?

Kathryn Featherstone is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a board-certified Christian Life Coach. Write her a note if this post resonates with you, or you would like to learn more about being coached.