“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11

I was born at the age of 40. The previous 40 years of my life were lived in a constant state of psychic pain as I searched for purpose and meaning. Those years were a mixture of peaks and valleys as I responded to the big “me” in whatever way brought presumed satisfaction. Sadly, the people around me paid a heavy price for my immaturity.

And then I met the face of Jesus in the spirit and person of Jack. Jack had been a hopeless drunk, and when he found Jesus and a new way of life, he dedicated his life to giving away his gift of recovery. He believed that we give up to win, and we give away to keep. To me that is what Christ taught, and by his grace and mercy I was inspired by Jack to live in a less self-centered way and strive to live a more giving life.

My daily prayer is, “God, I offer myself to you to build with me and do with me as you will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do your will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of your power, your love and your way of life. May I do your will always.”

By trying to be faithful to this prayer and to remember the inspired words of Jack some 40 years ago, by God’s grace I have been blessed with a wonderful life filled with triumphs and, yes, trials, surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends that truly make me realize it’s great to be alive! I just gave up to win and now strive to live a giving life.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Glenn Jorgenson