The Rare Gift

From the Swietlistej Drogi, the Two of Wands; from Mirrors of the Heart, 'Grace:'

          A man bows low to a woman; his hat seems to pour out water just as he pours out his feelings. Here is a marriage proposal caught on paper. The young woman must decide where she wants to put her energy and passion. Does she maintain her independence and self-sufficient ways, or does she join with him and allow their combined passions to alter her course? The Grace card is a reminder of a phrase that often rankles me: "But for the grace of God, there go I." Does this mean some people are special snowflakes who get the undeserved gift? I prefer to think of grace as a moment of awareness and awakening, a moment that opens us to goodness even in dire circumstances and then transforms us through gratitude and compassion. Looking through that lens brings humility and a concern for someone other than myself. It may be what changes a person's idea about being an island unto themselves.

I believe we create it for ourselves, through persistence, awareness, and clear-eyed reflection. Grace comes from knowing that to be alive and conscious in this world is a rare gift.

~Katherine Ozment