A few months ago I was contemplating on life’s important principles for the purpose of imparting meaningful encouragement to our daughter who was graduating with her Master’s Degree. I wanted to give something that was more than a gift and more than money. I wanted to give insight on life! I thought of faith, truthfulness, humility, integrity, kindness, serving, friendship and freedom. I considered adventure, risk, faithfulness, communication, tenacity and laughter. But the three life-principles I eventually chose that meant so much to me to impart were time, opportunity and passion.
Time…it needs to be appreciated, used and valued. The second hand on a watch continues to tick no matter what we face in life. It is important to take time to know God, to explore, to share our lives with others and to love and be loved. It is important to take the time to appreciate, to serve, and to enjoy who God has created our individual selves to be and to allow others to witness our life.
Opportunity…Everyday life gives us opportunities that come in the form of choices. We can chose everyday how we will see the world and the life we live. Do we see it through the eyes of God and His love, the power we have to make a difference, no matter how small, in the life of another person? Or do we waist are opportunities each day by wishing we could be someone else, do something else or be somewhere else? Every day has opportunities.
Passion…This is our heart. Passion is God given and it drives us to be better and to not live for just ourselves. A life lived without passion is dull. Passion helps us to discover the treasure of God’s calling and gifts in us. Passion allows us to live life with purpose and meaning.
I am sure we all might have other life-principles we deem more significant and that is okay. The important thing is that we contemplate the question, “What is valuable to us?” so we can live life well.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalms 139:13-16
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians. 5:15-16
From my heart to yours,
DaNetta
Thank You DaNetta, Powerful!
This is great! I did a scavenger hunt for my son last year for his birthday with a watch as a gift regarding time as you explained… a Journal while connecting with GOD & himself and men’s care basket to care for his handsome face, hair & body, As I was sitting here googling ideas to give my husband for his b-day… your email came up and GOD gave me a great idea! No more googling I have my answer! GOD’s timing!!!
Thank you:-)
These are the words I’ve been praying for my nearly 16 year old daughter. Thank you for being my answer to prayer.