Life is so precious and it is truly a gift to be savored and enjoyed from your first breath and all the way to your last breath. Our time is measured; however, we do not know when time as we understand it will no longer exists. Consider the majestic beauty of a sunrise and sunset; how about the many people we meet during our lives.  Several people I know and love transitioned within the last year and I am amazed at how many really took the opportunity to live life to the fullest and how many lived with regrets. The following passage came to mind as I thought of enjoying the moments that I have and doing things that matter most. Life provides us with many lessons along the way and I am grateful for the privilege of sharing my journey with you.

1 Peter 4:7-11 (The Message)

7 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. 

8 Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 

9 Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully. 

10 Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: 

11 if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything - encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Every day I realize that life is filled with changes, opportunities, promises and challenges. During this Lenten season, focus on what is most important in your life and why what you do matters. It is important to know what fulfills you and keeps you moving forward. I encourage you to think about your life, being given to you on a blank canvas or a huge billboard. You get to paint or write anything that you want on your canvas or billboard. Thousands and perhaps millions of people will have the opportunity to view it. What will you paint or write? See it vividly. Will it be based on your values, expectations, reality, dreams, challenges, opportunities or left blank? How will what you say, do, paint, or live impact others? Why will others want to view your life? Why will it matter to you?

You are an original. Take nothing for granted and take more risks. Create memories and blessings worthy of being shared because of who you are and knowing that what you do and experience matters. Make each sunrise and sunset your very own - your canvas, your billboard.  ~ Dr. Sandra G. Sessoms ~