Approaching 30, I couldn’t help but hysterically laugh while somewhat pitying myself when I read the buzzfeed article “30 signs you’re almost 30” circulating social media. We look at 30, or any chronological age milestone with a “gloom & doom” attitude, often feeling constrained by society's expectations and timeline set out for us. But I am thankful for a mother who has allowed me to rethink and challenge this thinking.

I know I may be biased in saying this, but I truly believe my mother is the strongest woman I know. She received a Masters in Counseling and a certificate in sandplay and opened a private practice alongside my dad, all after the age of 50! To say that she is my inspiration is an understatement.

See... until then, she had spent her life investing in my brother and me. She and my dad made the difficult decision to live apart, my father in Korea, and us in the States. She would wake us up, got us ready for school, made us breakfast, dropped us off at school, worked 12 hour days, cooked, cleaned. And when she had a moment to rest, I remember I would find her in her room, on her bed, reading the Word.

A memory that still brings tears to my eyes: my mom would pack up our Honda Accord with all my belongings to bring me back to school after a long break. She would make the 4-hour drive to drop me off at college, clean my room, help me unpack. She would then drive back home, alone.

My mom has shown me what sacrifice looks like, what unconditional love feels like, what grace and mercy means.

I love her sense of humor, her wit, her incredible organizational skills, her focus, her perseverance, her intellect, her hospitality, her introspection. My mom is my mentor, my counselor, my "supervisor", my fan, my best friend. I love you, mom.

one of my favorite memories: in napa valley may 2012

grace
/grās/
noun

1. simple elegance or refinement of movement
2. (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

Confession: I used to hate my name. Being Korean American, everyone and their mothers had the same name as me. It was frustrating to think that I was just “yet another Grace”.

My Korean name actually means “Summer Grace” (yes, I am a summer baby!) My dad told me once that he had thought about naming me “Summer”. To be honest, I sometimes still think about how I do not know a single person named Summer and what a cool name that would have been to have.

But with time, and with age, I have grown a deep and profound appreciation for my name. There is so much breadth and depth to “grace.”

A Place of Grace is my journey, my life. Follow me in my search for the grace in life.

I hope A Place of Grace would become a place of respite for my readers, a place where we can together reflect on the small joys in life, whether it be the unconditional love of a pet, the joys of travel, the company of good friends, the satisfaction of a good meal or a great bargain.

Happy Mother's Day

A Place of Grace: What's in a name?