Have you ever listened to a dull and tired song—only to be stirred and thrilled when it reprised in some new, higher key?  Then you know something of the grace of God, whatever else your story tells.  Grace comes to us as unexpected joy when our performance, short or long—had lifted neither us nor anyone around us. We were muddling through the music, vocalizing rote notes and mangling the lyrics. We didn’t know a brighter, higher anthem lay hidden in the lines. But God in kindness teaches us to sing of faith so rich and love so sweet we are amazed we never knew it sooner.  With one much-humbled, transformed saint named Paul, we happily exclaim, “Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things” (Eph 3:8-9). Grace pulls us up—our bodies, minds, and especially our hopes—when we’ve been mumbling through the stanzas of our yesteryears. The God who lives and gives—and gives again—surprises us with freedom from our past and freedom for our future.  Hear what your life sounds like when set in God’s new, saving key. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott