You have given this life to me. What do you want it to look like when I give it back to you?

I ask this question during my quiet time in the mornings.

I wake up before 5:00 am most days to show God my gratitude, share with God my heart, and set my daily intentions in partnership with the God who makes it all possible. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

I spend a lot of time talking about goal setting and making plans for success, but before I make plans for my life, I turn first to the One who gave me life. If what I set out to accomplish in life is not pleasing to God and does not benefit others, then I have failed. If the only person elevated by my achievements is me, then I have missed the mark. If the energy that I expend does not improve lives, change hearts, comfort, educate, or open doors for others, then I must return to the drawing board for a new set of instructions. If Christ is my example, then my life must be an offering, given to and for the lives of others.

So today, as I welcome December, my salute to November will be in gratitude for the ways that my life was offered for the sake of others during the last 30 days.

1. I offered words of encouragement to someone who is battling depression.
2. I offered words of encouragement to someone whose family member is terminally ill.
3. I attended the ministerial licensing service for a newly minted sister-minister.
4. I attended and participated in the nuptials of a friend.
5. I facilitated a meeting for a task force that has been convened to protect and rescue women and girls in my county.
6. I participated in my church’s prayer wheel for the safety of our country and the wisdom of our leaders.
7. I prayed over individual prayer requests submitted to our church.
8. I donated reproductive hygiene products for Zelophehad’s Daughters’ winter service project.
9. I attended a lecture in support of a mentor’s forthcoming book project.
10. I revised the resume of someone looking for employment.
11. I called to check on a senior citizen that is facing health challenges.

I would say that November was a pretty good month. As we enter into the last month of the year, what will you do to end 2015 in service to others?