Our family is complete at four people + dog, and my two children have exactly the names they should.   Even though I’m done naming children, I still love recommending names to friends who are expecting, and the one name I try to talk everyone into is Grace.

There are many beautiful meanings to the word, but what calls to me most are those definitions which convey mercy, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, hope.  Grace is feeling amazingly, unconditionally loved by whatever form God takes in your life.  Grace is a partner who sees and accepts not just what you are, but also what you might be, and encourages you to find your way.  Grace is the friend who walks alongside you on the good days and the bad.  Grace is what my children grant me each morning when they wake up ready to start a new day with hugs, ready to laugh, love, and play together no matter how busy or distracted I was the day before.

I hope you find abundant grace in your own life today and take advantage of every opportunity to fill someone else’s life with grace as well.

And, if you just happen to be looking for a lovely baby name…