Why did I choose the title “Grace Notes” for this blog? In musical terms, a grace note is a type of ornament or embellishment which serves to “decorate” or accentuate the musical note it precedes, as well as to provide added interest and variety, and allow a performer to add expressiveness to a song or piece. Figuratively, a grace note could refer to anything that provides an extra, nice little finishing touch to something else (e.g., The glorious sunset added a beautiful grace note to the couple’s already perfect wedding).

Depending on your dictionary reference, the word grace can have the following meanings:

noun

• a special favor or privilege
• a charming or attractive trait or characteristic
• a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks
• the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
• simple elegance or refinement of movement
• courteous goodwill
• the free and unmerited favor of God

verb

• to confer dignity or honor on
• to adorn, embellish
• do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence.

Conversely, the opposite of grace would speak of disfavor and dishonor, of being inconsiderate or undignified. To be un-graceful implies the act of debasing, devaluing, degrading, and demeaning something or someone. Or it could simply mean the lack of grace where grace is needed.

Anyone who has given even a casual glance at the media can easily come to the conclusion that our society has lost its sense of grace. We’ve become more boorish, coarse, and ill-mannered in our dealings with each other, especially with those with whom we disagree. We live in a tit-for-tat culture in which we have lost the ability to “do unto others” – to disagree and love at the same time. But as pastor and author Timothy Keller has stated, “You can love without agreeing with someone. You can disagree without hating them.” That’s called extending grace.

This blog is my attempt to shine a little grace on my small corner of the world. And just as grace notes serve as embellishments in a song, I hope that my thoughts accentuate what is good in our world and inspire others to pass the torch of grace wherever it is needed. As someone once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” As such, we all need to receive a little more grace in our lives, as well as give a little more grace in return. When it comes to grace-giving, we all need to pay it forward.