“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” John 1:16

Dear Jesus, I have always let this verse live in the shadow of verse 14 that comes before it. (“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.) But today this verse stands out to me. From your fullness I have received grace in place of grace. I looked up an older translation and it reads, “one blessing after another.” Both translations remind me that I’m receiving countless blessings from you without deserving any of them. I have had so many people love, share with me, forgive me, bless me, encourage me, thank me, and build me up. You have provided for me in embarrassing abundance. I have enjoyed the peace of grace and faith in my heart for decades because you taught me your word as a child. I have lived under promises like an umbrella during a rain storm. I have hope in heaven that crowns every day. From you, Jesus, I have received grace upon grace. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness when I pause to think of the grace you have given me. I cannot help but love you all day long. Amen.

What we realize what God has given us is a fraction of what he really has.