This is the last Spiritual Thursday post for 2019, so we are reflecting on our One Little Word for the year. This year I selected Grace.
Grace is a simple word
spoken in prayer,
blessing a child,
a gentle hug.Grace soothes life’s bumps,
nudges our hearts to acceptance,
carries the weight of worry
and places it in Love’s hands.Grace comes in new life,
a soft white kitten,
the rising sun
of the morning.Grace endures.
Margaret Simon, draft, 2019
When 2019 began, our family had been blessed by the birth of Leo, my first grandson. His first birthday is on Saturday. When I see him now, he knows me; he reaches out to me and leans in for a kiss. There is nothing so full of grace than this.
In September, Thomas was born, my second grandson. And just when you think your heart is full, it opens up for more. His gentle smile and sweet coos bring pure Joy!
This fall I released my second middle grade novel, Sunshine, a sequel to Blessen. Birthing a new book can be scary, but Sunshine is surrounded by love. Her story is no longer mine. Her story, the story of Blessen and Harmony, is full of grace. Blessen and Harmony share their love of animals and adventure. Neither has had the ideal life, but they greet each day with a sense of joy. That is what I hope for myself and all of you.
Begin this day with gratitude in your heart, a smile on your face, and an openness to Grace!
Reflections on the Teche 
Lovely post! Thank you! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Margaret, you ARE grace! I still think about that video of Leo erupting in laughter… and congratulations on SUNSHINE, which I did not know about! Yay! xo
Ruth: Thank you for this beautiful post. “Grace endures” really spoke to me. I also am a grandmother, and I also have felt the joy and surprise of a new child in the family. Truly a blessing. My best to you…
Sorry… I addressed to Ruth when it is Margaret! Both are family names for me, and … well… I just get confused as I read various blogs and responses. Anyway, to both Ruth and Margaret…please excuse me!
Oh, the joy of welcoming those little ones into our hearts and homes. I love seeing pics of your boys. And thanks for this post reminding us to begin the day with an openness to grace.
Margaret, life is full when it is filled with grace. You have provided so much joy for others that I am thrilled your year has been so full of the grace of God. This line has such joyful thoughts about family and love: “And just when you think your heart is full, it opens up for more.” I am looking forward to my second little girl entering the scene. (Sierra gave me a card at my birthday celebration with news that she would have a little sister soon.) This was such a beautiful, inspiring post.
Congratulations on the new baby coming. So much joy is a small package. I pray that all goes well.