I embrace each day with gratitude, knowing that I have been given the privilege to see the sunrise once again. I am also aware that it could be my last because life and being alive are not within my control. I embrace each day, after all, it provides an opportunity to become a better person and to recognize that, regardless of past decisions that may not have been the best, I can turn things around because I am alive.

I love the Bible verse in Isaiah 43:18-21 (NIV) that urges us to keep moving forward: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” I don’t know about you, but I am at the point where I take God’s word literally. By doing so, I have found peace and rest that I would never find alone.

I have also discovered that life brings us what it will, and it is best to develop a posture of joy and live intentionally daily. Did you know that our lives and everything that comes with it were designed just for us? Where we live, our features, our accomplishments—all just for us. So, why not be a willing participant in all that God, our Father, has created for us? God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 TPT—I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. And so I urge us not to worry but simply honour the part we must play in the grand design of God’s plan whether great or small, and understand who we are and our role in creation.

Let me share the proof found in Ephesians 2:10 (TPT): “We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!!”

So you see, we have our own unique purpose. It is crucial for us to show up each day with gratitude and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit to fulfill that purpose.

As Christians, we cannot be easily overcome by the enemy’s distractions so prevalent in today’s world. We have so many things to keep us occupied. We are surrounded by noise daily—work, children, world events, our fears, and insecurities and at times we must disconnect and withdraw like Jesus often did. He would do this to forge a connection with His Father, our Father too, through prayer. We must strive to put these things aside and gain clarity about who we are and what we are here to do. Remember, each of us is part of a bigger plan. Your life is not just about you. How about we pray and become attuned to the Holy Spirit if we are unsure about the part we must play?

Let each day be one of gratitude and thanksgiving, knowing you carry an important job in the kingdom of God. Just thinking about that brings me pleasure and a willingness to play my part. God told us to have dominion over the things of the world, but sadly, today we often find the opposite happening. It is time to change that and take up spiritual space, knowing who you are and trusting completely in God’s word as it relates to you and your calling.

Abundant love & light.