A friend in her eighties called to check on me. This friend always calls to be a blessing. “Is there anything you need?” she asks. “How can I pray for you?” She continues to remind me that I am in my most fruitful years and not let the devil to deceive me into shrinking back and serving less. She said, “It took God a long time to get you to where you are today! Use your time well.” Any time this friend’s name shows up on my caller id, I know to expect kindness and encouragement. She focuses me to God’s world and agenda. Then there are those in my life whose world have gotten so small that life is all about their issues. They don’t ever ask how I am doing because life is all about their aches and pains and how life is so unfair. What I have observed is that two people with similar medical challenges can choose to either be a grump or a blessing.

What a lesson this has been for me. I don’t want to be remembered as a grump but as someone who pours out blessings through my words and actions. I want to be a blessing till my very last breath. I long to inspire the next generation with what it means to serve well even in the midst of personal challenges. When you have settled how God wants you to be remembered it will change how you respond to those around you.

When I pray for you I “hear” a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God in you as you put His truths into action.

Love from Anita Carman