I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe in God. From the time I was a child, I was told about Him, and I prayed to Him—even silently to myself. I’ve always felt blessed in that way, and I thank God often for it. I never really went through a period where I was searching for meaning or identity. Life gave me responsibilities, and there was always something to do, so I stayed focused on moving forward. Of course, I’ve felt guilt, fear, or shame like anyone does, but I couldn’t dwell on those feelings for long—there were people depending on me, and that kept me going. As my spirituality has evolved through studyand observation, I’ve come to know, and be comforted by, an understanding that my relationship with the Father begins and ends with my relationship with Jesus. He is the earthly and heavenly standard I feebly try to attain.
My sense of God’s presence has always been steady. I can’t point to one dramatic moment where everything changed for me. Even during times when I wasn’t attending services regularly, I still believed, and I still prayed. I’ve always known God was guiding me, teaching me right from wrong, and reminding me to live in a way that honors Him. I don’t hear His voice the way I hear another person’s, but I feel closest to Him when I pray, when I give thanks, and sometimes when worship or music touches my heart.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see more clearly that life is about serving others. I don’t always succeed—I struggle with selfishness and with wasting time—but I know that resisting those impulses brings me closer to God. One of the things that gives me peace is knowing that my value isn’t measured by how much I get done or how successful I look. Daily problems and tasks can seem overwhelming, but I remind myself they’re only temporary. My life here is temporary, too, and that helps me stay centered.
My relationship with God has always been simple: I pray, I listen, and I give thanks. That steady connection has carried me through my whole life.
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