What is the key to life?

I am driving down the road aggravated at the moron in front of me who is not paying attention.
I am irritated at the mess my children have just made in the kitchen.
I am frustrated at the co-worker who refuses to listen and just seems to do their own thing.
I am tired of listening to the rants of people at the store as they talk about the government and the economy.
I am fed up with a spouse who seems to go out of their way to annoy me and cause problems.

What do all of these scenarios have in common?  In order for me to respond in an appropriate way, I need grace.  "Wait," you ask, "don't you mean, 'they need grace?"  No, in fact, I need grace.

Here's what I have been thinking about recently.  People mess up around me all of the time, and frankly, if I pay attention enough, I mess up just as much (if not more).  To the extent that I receive grace, I will have it to give to others.  Hence my need for grace.

Last week I drove my car into the back of an unsuspecting driver.  Yeah, that's right, I am a moron and I hit the guy in front of me.  As I consider his response, he was very gracious to me.  He did nothing to deserve being hit, rather he was inconvenienced by being hit.  Yet, he not only spoke kindly, he actually helped me get my car back in running order to finish the 200 miles I had left to go.  I received grace.

It is amazing how it has affected my driving this week.  When I see people, who I still consider lousy drivers, doing things they should not do, I am less critical and more inclined to offer grace.

So, as I walk through other areas of my life, the thought occurs to me, when I get angry with my children, my spouse, co-workers, family, friends... usually it is because I have not reflected enough on the grace I have been given through Jesus Christ - the one I have offended in every area to the greatest degree yet he responded in gracious love and forgiveness.

So, the next time you think someone else needs a little correction or a "piece of your mind", maybe you can join me in asking God to help us better reflect on the grace that He has already given to us.  Then maybe we will respond to others with the same grace we have received.