The past few days I’ve been mulling over the phrase “life-giving.” God placed this phrase in my path twice in one day. Both times it was spoken/written by women I deeply respect, admire, and aspire to be like. So I thought God might be trying to tell me something—like “pay attention here.”

Life-giving—what/who fills me with life; what resonates with the threads God used to weave me into the person I am.

I have decisions to make coming up. I am almost 58. I am at a time in my life where I need to be thoughtful and purposeful with the rest of my days. I need to choose life-giving (what fills me and how I can do that for others in the way God designed me to do) over that which is life-draining or even neutral.

One thing that is life-giving to me is time with my family. Today I ate this amazing pizza with Kerry. I drove up to the burbs to spend the day knocking around her old college neighborhood with her. So fun. So life-giving.

Another special treat for me today was finding Barbara Bush’s second book, Reflections: Life After the White House, for $1.99 at a thrift store. I loved Mrs. Bush’s first book, Barbara Bush: A Memoir. I read it several years ago. It, too, was life-giving. She is all about her family and friends. I learned a lot about friendship, hospitality, and confidently being who I am from her. I can’t wait to read how she processed and transitioned into her private life.

Of course, I will keep you updated on my plans. Right now I’m thinking life-giving and being true to who God made me to be will my guide.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.