"Leap of Faith and into His Will" by Mary LaFrance

Today has been one of those days to reflect on more of the goodness of life that God has given me. With the hustle and bustle of summer in full swing, He sat me down tonight and so I began to ponder so many good things. As I watched the sunset cascade its warm hues across the sky, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple beauty of nature. The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds returning to their nests filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere that filled my heart with peace. Reflecting on the blessings of family and friends, I realized how fortunate I am to have such wonderful people in my life. These moments of quiet contemplation serve as a gentle reminder to cherish the present and embrace the abundance of love and joy that surrounds us.

I spent several moments throughout this day, explaining to my precious 4 year old grandson, just how blessed he is and so am I. I held him on my lap and asked him what he was thankful for, besides his toys. He responded with, “I love my Mommy so much and she works hard.” My heart smiled at his sweet and sincere response to which I agreed. He continued on to express how much he loved me too and how he loved being here in our home. I told him he was very fortunate to have such a variety of food, clothing, a nice bed and warm bath water to get clean. He got a big grin on his face and said, “Oh grandma, you are a good cooker.” LOL! Despite the challenges of the world, moments like these remind me of the simple joys of life and the pure love that exists between generations. It’s these small, precious interactions that truly enrich our lives and bring warmth to our hearts. I look forward to many more moments like these, filled with laughter, love, and priceless wisdom exchanged between my grandson and me.

On a more serious note, God took me back in time to the year 2005, as I was going through the beginning of my journey through breast cancer. It seemed every time someone asked me how I was doing, or how could they help, my immediate response was this, “I’m living in a win-win situation these days. If God allows me to stick around and enjoy more of my family, friends, my job and all that I have done, it’s a big win. If for any reason, Jesus calls me “home” to the place he has prepared for me, that is the biggest win for any believer! So, there is no losing on either end of this spectrum and I am forever grateful and there is wonderful peace that comes with this knowledge. The only people who stand to lose are the ones who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and repented so they can have full understanding of salvation that comes through Him to get to the Father. This understanding has brought me a deep sense of purpose and an even greater appreciation for life. It has allowed me to see each day as a precious gift, filled with opportunities to make a positive impact on those around me. Through this journey, I have also discovered an inner strength and resilience that I never knew I possessed. Every moment, whether easy or challenging, has become a chance for me to grow and learn. I hope that my experience can serve as a source of inspiration and strength for others who may be facing similar battles. Together, we can find hope and courage in the midst of adversity, and emerge stronger and more compassionate individuals. As I continue on this path, I am reminded of the power of faith and the unwavering love and support of those who stand by my side. With their encouragement and prayers, I am determined to embrace each day with gratitude and grace, treasuring the beauty of life and the endless possibilities it holds.”

I keep praying for the many who need to know that life can become a “win-win” for them too. For every opportunity that God gives us to share His goodness, faithfulness, grace, mercy and love that is neverending, it’s a chance to at least give the lost some food for thought. Our time on this earth is so short compared to the vast eternity. How different life might have turned out if someone wouldn’t have opened their heart and poured Jesus into the cup I needed to drink in. I imagine I would still be so parched, weathered, confused, dismayed, and maybe even worse. God in his infinite wisdom and plan, decided to take me in, as a broken teenage girl, who had endured a lot of pain over time. He reshaped me, day by day after I accepted and was committed to Jesus Christ, He still reshapes things as needed. We are never fully finished as long as we have breath here on this earth. It is humbling to feel that the framework of God’s design is meant for each individual and within the boundaries are the incredible pathways to trod, step by step. In this journey, I have found solace in the words of the scriptures, drawing strength from the stories of resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering faith. Each day brings a new opportunity to show kindness, to extend a helping hand, and to be a beacon of hope to those who are struggling. Through the trials and tribulations, I hold onto the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every setback is a setup for a comeback. As I continue to walk in faith, I am reminded that with God, all things are possible, and His love knows no bounds. His grace sustains me, His mercy uplifts me, and His faithfulness carries me through the storms of life. I strive to be a reflection of His love and light in this world, knowing that my purpose is intricately woven into the tapestry of His divine plan. Being purposefully obedient and keeping my eyes off myself is a major contributing factor in showing others how to live for Jesus and not the world.