What I mean when I say “Glimmers of Grace”:
Sometimes, life feels messy, hard, and full of challenges — the kind of challenges that push us to our limits and remind us how much we need God. In those moments, it can be easy to feel like He is quiet or distant.
But over the years, I’ve learned that God’s grace often shines brightest in the unexpected, hard, and sometimes painful places. These are the moments that draw me back to Him, that remind me I cannot do this on my own, and that His love is deeper than I can imagine.
These are what I call glimmers of grace.
Noticing Grace in the Deep Stuff
A glimmer of grace isn’t always small or fleeting. Sometimes it’s the big, hard, holy moments that teach me most about God. For example:
Seeing God’s hand in the chaos of challenging behaviors from my children, and being drawn back to Him again and again
Finding unexpected strength and patience in seasons of parenting, even when I feel stretched thin
Experiencing moments of clarity, peace, or encouragement during transitions and life changes I never planned for
Recognizing growth and learning in my children — even in their struggles — and seeing God at work in their hearts
These moments don’t erase the hard things. They don’t make the pain disappear. But they are reminders that God is at work, often in ways we can’t see at first.
Sometimes a glimmer of grace looks like standing in the kitchen after a long day, holding back tears, and realizing that the only reason I haven’t quit is because God has been quietly sustaining me all along.
Sometimes it looks like a child who has struggled deeply — emotionally, behaviorally, or socially — taking one small step forward. Not a miracle. Not a sudden change. Just progress. Enough to remind me that growth is happening, even when it’s slow.
And sometimes it looks like realizing that the very things stretching me the most are also the things keeping me closest to God — because I don’t have the luxury of self-sufficiency anymore.
Grace in the Unexpected
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a parent, foster mom, homeschooler, and wife is that God’s grace is always at work, especially in the places we never planned for. It shows up when life isn’t what we expected — in the challenges, the detours, the moments that feel overwhelming.
Whether it’s a difficult child teaching me patience and dependence on God, a surprising breakthrough in a relationship, or a small moment that shifts perspective in a big way, these deeper glimmers of grace are constant reminders that God’s love and provision are real and active.
A Challenge to You
Today, I invite you to notice the glimmers of grace in your own life — not just the little things, but the deeper, harder, and unexpected moments too. Look for where God is moving through challenges, change, or loss. Pay attention to the ways He is bringing life, growth, and healing even in situations that felt overwhelming.
Even in the chaos. Even in the unexpected. Even in the hard.
Because that is where God meets us — in the ordinary, the messy, and the deeply challenging places.
If you notice a glimmer today, I’d love to hear about it. You can share in the comments or keep a small journal. These moments will surprise you, encourage you, and remind you that grace is always closer than we think.
— Sarah