Slowly I become aware of the coolness on my cheek and the warmth of my body as I snuggle under the soft, sweet-smelling covers. I am a cat stretching and yawning and arching her back in my comfy bed.

The house silently sleeps on. Sounds of stillness linger in my ears, encouraging me to listen to the Voice of the Creator deep within my heart. He fills me with pleasant thoughts and splendid dreams; His is the same voice that softly whispers to men and women, boys and girls the world over. The wise ones pause to delight in the dreams He places deep within their hearts. Every person is meant for a God-sized dream.

Finally, the house tires of sleeping and slowly comes to life. It creaks and groans as it awakens to a new day. My slippers pad softly to the kitchen, and this morning begins much the same as countless others before.

Coffee in hand, I slip into my favorite chair. Breathing deeply, I quietly drink in the silence along with my steaming brew. My Bible, a clean page, a pen and my thoughts are my morning companions. Each fresh new morning, full of possibility, is a blank slate, a pristine canvas on which to paint. This brief moment in time is inexplicably woven into the lives of those around me.

Days ebb and flow as surely as the tide upon some distant shore, each creating a piece of the puzzle called life. The significance of seemingly insignificant acts astounds me. On how many occasions have I just so happened to be at the right place at the right time to write a page of someone else’s story? And how often have strangers at a chance meeting written on the pages of mine?

I’ve shared a small kindness and heard later how much encouragement it brought. On the other hand, I wouldn’t care to know how many times my thoughtless words may have caused distress long after I have tossed them aside as a momentary lapse of good judgment.

Today, I choose to listen to the heartbeat of my Father. Today, I choose kindness and love. I will put others’ needs before my own. I will go out of my way for a stranger or a neighbor or a friend. At the end of the day I will sleep peacefully knowing I’ve done my best today.

My aspirations, though high and noble, often go unmet. I don’t plan to fail. But when I do, I seek forgiveness and begin again as another day dawns. Just as the Master’s hand paints each glorious sunrise with strokes of magnificent color and beauty, He paints delightful dreams and visions on my heart. I dream of living true to a greater, nobler calling, of repaying good for evil, of leaving a Godly legacy in an world longing for direction.

I long to leave the world a better place because I knew You, heard Your voice and followed the dreams You placed in my heart.

Father, You are life and love, mercy and grace. My dreams are too great for me; only through You do I dream such dreams. I am weak, but Your strength steadies my wobbly steps readying me for my journey. In my human frailty I know I am unworthy, but I claim my place among the saints of old. I am your child; I accept my rightful position because of Your great sacrifice for me.

Quiet moments spent with the Master have no equal. There is no substitute. The God-sized dreams that transform a dull and ordinary life into an extraordinarily adventure are waiting there.

(Proverbs 29:18) Where there is no vision the people perish; but he who keeps the law, happy is he.

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.