Do you remember life as your littlest self? Where you could be anything you wanted, and your imagination ran wild because fear did not yet cripple you? As I was picking up the living room (for the 100^th time), I came across Lilah’s art pad. As I flipped through, page after page was filled with images of color, relationship, rainbows, and possibility.

My prayer is that she never loses her curiosity, wonder, and imagination. That she always remembers that she is set apart in this world. I pray that she never be crippled by fear, but instead, remembering whose she is. I pray that she always has the ability to express herself, growing into the truest version of her.

Maybe you need this reminder today too. What is that thing or experience that is holding you back? Imagine you as your five-year-old self. What did you dream of and hope for? What would your pictures have looked like? Maybe, instead of rainbows, and possibility, your pictures hold grief, loss, or disappointment, or the feeling of never measuring up.

If you could go back, what would you remind yourself of?

I know I would tell my younger version to be gentler and kinder with myself. I would remind myself God is for me.

And friend. Let me remind you.. God is for YOU. He has plans for you. Your future is bright.

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” – Jeramiah 29:11