Vicky Nguyen wrote in Guidepost magazine: “There is going to be someone younger than you, smarter than you, more pedigreed than you. Always…But, there will never be someone who is as good at being you as you are.’ There’s something to be said for giving ourselves mercy. We may not be perfect…only Jesus was, and through our own striving, while we can improve things we dislike about our character, or even establish new habits, they tell us, in twenty day, our basic character and abilities are gifts from God and they re unique to each of us. The memoir writing group I established at our senior residence is called You Are Unique. No one knows us better than we know ourselves. We are, right from the beginning, different from each other so that the world will leave us space to devlop our God-given talents and abilities through parental guidance, through dedicated teachers, coaches, mentors, and our own creativity, and we are never done growing. Even at eighty-five and a half, I rejoice in learning things each day, in setting goals and achieving them, and in prayer for God’s guidance.
This is Day 19 from my book, Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude:
Day 19
I express my attitude of gratitude that I can read and write, that I can expand my world through vicariously reading about others who have lived life. I can study the Scriptures. What a privilege. I think of girls in the world who are forbidden education. What a pity. Those who never think about the loss of these cannot possibly understand my attitude of gratitude. It is immense.
I am indebted to the teachers, mentors, counselors, family members, and friends and acquaintances who have taught, listened, cajoled, advised, disciplined, and fashioned me into the person I’ve become. And to a merciful Lord who has permitted and ordained this.
Today’s Scripture: “My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7:1-3)
Prayer: Jehovah, Jirah, You have protected me from evil, prepared a place for me, and directed my pathways. I thank You for the prayers of protection uttered by my parents, my mentors, and Christian saints who prepared me and still uphold me in prayer. Use me to pray for others, as they have prayed for me. In Jesus, Amen.
Day 19 Scripture references showing preparation for tasks ahead:
“May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to man. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 115: 14-18)
“I will sacrifice a thank offering to You, and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord…” (Psalm 116: 17-19)
“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?” (Proverbs 22: 17-21)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)
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