The collective "we"

       I love many things about my Gran Gran but in the  past few months there is one thing that has begun to stand out to me. He tells me "we" sure are proud of you or "we" love you. And I know exactly what he means. Six months could never erase the 65+years that he and Dot Dot spent together. And he is still able to speak for her because he knew her and shared life with her. It's a comforting thought and makes me miss her but also makes me remember her and the love that she  poured into my life for the past 26 years. Because I knew her as well I believe I am allowed to take comfort in that "we" phrase. She told me those things herself and just because she's not here that doesn't diminish the love. 

        In a lot of ways it makes me think about my relationship with Christ. I'm a part of a women's study through The Hallows and we have talked frequently about speaking evidences of grace into one another's life. It is to remind ourselves of the work that the Spirit does and to begin to take notice of it in others lives. There are many things I could say to be uplifting to people and to point out things in their life that might be of encouragement but if I'm not reading the Word or talking to the Lord then it's all for naught. I find it hard to speak about someone or something if you don't really know them and talk to them consistently. And that's the neat part about the collective "we," when I'm in the word I am closer to God's heart and can learn His characteristics and those of the disciples as well. Then, I am able to confidently speak evidences of grace to others and share the collective "we." It's a beautiful thing to see the Lord in everyday life and in that of friends and family.