Grace is one of my favorite words. It's defined as "exuding elegance and/or embracing a state of divinity". Grace is associated with effortlessness and ease. When I see someone who possesses this gift, I am immediately captivated.

Two of my favorite messengers of grace are Anne Morrow Lindberg and Jackie Kennedy. They took the power of grace to a whole new level.

Mrs. Lindberg did it with the words she shared and Mrs. Kennedy did it with her actions. They spent a lot of time in the public eye (one more than the other) and were astute at staying the course no matter what was filling their path. They swept us away with their grace.

For most of us, the holidays bring us into our own "public eye", families and friends both old and new, spaces with people and decisions and lots and lots of distractions.

We are better able to receive gifts and be thankful for the people and the moments which make up our lives when grace is present.

As we head into this time of year, I wanted to share two of my favorite quotes by Mrs. Lindberg and Mrs. Kennedy.

Lindberg said: “Patience, patience, patience is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.”

Kennedy said: “Even though people may be well known, they hold in their hearts the emotions of a simple person for the moments that are the most important of those we know on earth: birth, marriage and death.”

In the weeks ahead, take the time to be patient with yourself and the people sharing your spaces. Absorb the simple moments of each space you enter and make room for grace.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jeanne