by Kathy Stanford

The former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, passed away yesterday. As often happens when a well known and respected person dies, there has been much in the media about her life and accomplishments. One memorable quote from her “Just Say No” speech in 1986 is as follows:

“To my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can’t see it. So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children, to enjoy life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to your life.”

When I heard this, I was reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” And a similar verse is found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

I like that she said “your” life. The more I read the scriptures, the more certain I am that we are all created by God for a unique purpose. However long or brief our life is, He has a plan for us. I know several young families who have buried young children or suffered loss through miscarriage. I don’t pretend to understand the mind of God in these circumstances, but I know one thing. Every mother I’ve spoken to has shared with me something of value they have learned as they walk this journey of grief. There was a purpose in that short life. And on the other end of the spectrum we have those who linger, in pain or without any “right mind”. My own mother has dementia and I can tell you that my family is learning a lot about how to love without expectations. Her life still has purpose.

Every life has value. And for those of us still able to function at any level, God has purpose for our life. Even though we have the freedom to choose our own way instead of God’s plan, He is waiting to help us find His plan. So if you are unsure of His purpose for you, ask Him. Earnestly seek him in prayer and by reading His word. I won’t clutter this post with a list of suggestions, but know this – if you seek God’s plan with an open heart, you may be very surprised. “Say yes to your life” – because He isn’t finished with you.

“Thank you Father for the assurance that you have a plan for my life. Please help me understand my purpose and choose the path that you have laid out for me.”

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