This morning I called a friend who had been on my mind. When she called back she exclaimed, “I am having your busy life the next three weeks!” I thought, “How about my life 24/7?”

One time, a woman said to me, “I would love to have your life except for all the kids, blindness and hard times.” Obviously, it was not my life she wanted but the image, stage and expanding platform of what she thought was my glamorous life. To fully have my life you cannot avoid the loss, deep valleys, fighting for children and seeing beyond each storm. All of those situations, people who encouraged us along the way, and those who stood against us have helped me solidify what I believe and how I will use my life. No doubt my plans were rearranged long ago from my childhood fantasies of what I thought life would and should be. I found God met me in the deepest of valleys at every turn in the road. When I could no longer see, I discovered He was my vision. When I groped for answers, He firmly stated, “I Am!” When I cried, He kept every tear in His bottle and knew the depth of my pain. When I could not find my way, He was my path. When every door seemed closed, He reminded me that He is the door and He held every key I would ever need. When the changing terrain was like a desert, He was my refreshment stand. When the climb too steep, He tied me to His waist.

When I doubted, He had faith. When I was frustrated, He was my calm. When I thought I could never smile again, He became my joy. When I failed to find value in my own life, He treasured and accepted me. He exchanged His life for mine and it was abundant beyond anything I could see or imagine. When I lost all hope, I realized that Hope Himself embraced me with comfort and a future. I now live beyond what most can see. My amazing seasoned resume comes from all my yesterdays. My speaking engagements are offered to me because of a well-orchestrated life message, not some well written script. Each opportunity has enabled me to relate to humanity and the joy of my life is contagious for seeing beyond any obstacle. Go live your own life—with His grace and seize every moment for good.

Whose life do you wish you could live?

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!