I remember a quote from a plaque that I had when I was a teenager.

“What you are is God’s gift to you; What you make of yourself is your gift to God.”

I don’t know the author, but I thought about that quote a lot during my years in school. Recently, after reading I Corinthians 7:17-24, I altered the quote just a little.

“Who I am is God’s gift to me; How I use this life to glorify God is my gift to Him.”

We can get caught up in the ‘if onlys’ of this life.

• If only I was smarter.
• If only I was more beautiful.
• If only I had more money.
• If only I had been born in a different place or in a different time.
• If only I was younger, or older.
• If only I was married, or single, or taller, or thinner, or more athletic, or…….

Periodically, I remind myself, God does not make mistakes.

 My position in this life –
              who my parents were,
              where I was born,
              my nationality,
              my basic personality,
              my talents, my tendencies – 
 is not a mistake. 

God fashioned me to be me for His glory. I am perfectly planned.

The place where God has called and placed me is not an oversight. I am purposefully placed.

 This life, this time, this place is my platform of praise – 
            not to be dismissed or decried,
            but to be celebrated in its opportunities to showcase 
            Who God is and what HE can do. 

Father, Lord,

Let my life be a showcase of Your grace and love and power, today and everyday.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

I Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Photo – Spotted Petunia, Leslie Moon