Life by whose design?

...as I indulged an entire hour just - thinking. I start my days in quiet contemplation searching for truths. How did yesterday go? What did I do that I’m not happy about? What could I have done differently? Where do I stand with God today? What should I work on?

And I hear a recurring theme in my thoughts. While I’m blessed to be ‘retired’ and making personal choices in my own interests, a part of me feels decidedly lazy, self-indulgent and slightly guilty that I’m not contributing to the greater good of society…sharing what I’ve learned about life...is it of any value to anyone…finding a place of contribution or service to those less fortunate…sharing my passion for God and pointing others to His amazing love.

So this morning when I rediscovered this phrase “Life by design” written in an older journal, it opened a new line of thinking and consideration. It came from something I read about how money affects our lives – that with an abundance of money we can live our lives by design rather than by circumstance.

Sure! I can see that! Especially since I’m of the camp that doesn’t enjoy an abundance of money – the grass is always greener thinking. But if I dwell on that too long, I fall down another rabbit hole that lands me in self-defeating depression and self-pity that sucks me in – and the day is ruined before breakfast!

But I’m not without abundance in many things – given the right perspective. I have a roof over my head, food in the pantry, loved ones nearby, people who smile when I enter a room and who genuinely care enough to ask how I’m doing.

And I have something else – power of choice. I have the choice to view my life in satisfaction – which glorifies God and in turn creates a strength of commitment that plays out as love, self-sacrifice and service. Not always easy to do – and easier to see in hindsight - but I practice.

So this phrase ‘life by design’ captivates me because I see that I do design my life – I can design my life by what is most important – and that gives me joy...contentment…peace. That's why my design studio, Life by Design, has become an outlet for sharing the goodness of God in my life.

So whether anyone reads this right now, or discovers this someday in the future, I pray you will be blessed and encouraged by my transparent boldness. For God is so good and because of Him I have the freedom to live my 'life by design.' I hope you find joy in designing your life!