The Greatest Gift I’ve Ever Received

The Question

I was once asked, “What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received?”

My answer came out without hesitation. “Life.”

There was a pause.

Apparently, they meant a tangible gift—something wrapped in a bow, tucked beneath a tree, or handed over during a milestone moment.

But even now, knowing what they meant, my answer stands.

Life is the greatest gift I’ve ever been given.

Not a gadget. Not a getaway. Not even a great love story.

Just… this life. With all its heartbreaks and high notes. Its detours and dreams. Its breath and stillness.

Because no matter how uncertain, unpredictable, or unfinished it feels—life is still the most sacred gift I’ve unwrapped.

And every morning I wake up? It’s another chance to live it well.

The Wonder of Simply Existing

Sometimes I wonder: Who was I before I was born?

A soul in waiting? A dream in the heart of God?

Whether I existed before or not, I know this for sure:

I’m here now.

And that now is a miracle.

Psalm 139:13–14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

I wasn’t just born—I was crafted. Designed. Intended.

And that intentionality gives my life meaning, even on the days it feels messy.

The Day I Truly Understood

The moment I realized that life was the greatest gift wasn’t during a birthday or a spiritual retreat.

It happened the day I found out I was adopted.

I was given a new life—not metaphorically, but literally.

I was born into a situation where my biological mother couldn’t afford to raise me. She came from poverty and had to make a heartbreaking decision—to give me up.

But then… I was chosen.

Adopted into a new family. Welcomed. Cared for. Loved.

That new life could have gone a million different ways, but instead, it became a life filled with opportunities I might never have had otherwise. And in that moment of understanding, it hit me:

Life is a gift.

A second chance. A sacred invitation to experience, to grow, to love, and to live with intention.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou

One Life. One Chance. No Regrets.

This isn’t a dress rehearsal.

We don’t get an encore.

We only get one earthly life—just one chance to live it fully, love deeply, and walk in our purpose.

So I’m done saving the best china for someday.

I’m lighting the candle. Wearing the bold lipstick. Starting the blog. Booking the trip. Saying the prayer.

As James 4:14 reminds us:

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

It’s not meant to scare us.

It’s meant to remind us: Don’t wait.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver

A Life That Leaves Something Behind

Living well isn’t just about collecting moments for yourself.

It’s about pouring out, too.

I want to leave behind stories that inspire. Words that heal. Laughter that lingers.

I want someone to think of me and smile—not because I was perfect, but because I showed up with heart.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso

Even the smallest act of love can echo through eternity.

Soul Insights

1. Value of Life: Treat your breath as sacred.

Every inhale is a grace note. Every heartbeat is permission to begin again. Life doesn’t owe us anything—but God gifted us everything.

2. Living Without Regrets: Choose courage over comfort.

Speak up. Apologize first. Dance even if you’re offbeat. The only thing worse than failing is wondering what if.

3. Making a Difference: Use your gifts, no matter how small.

You don’t have to go viral to matter. Loving one person well changes the world. Your ripple counts.

4. Finite Time: Remember, this isn’t forever.

There will be a last hug. A last sunrise. A last laugh. Don’t wait to treasure them.

5. Embrace Opportunities: Say yes more often.

Say yes to love. Yes to healing. Yes to starting over. Life opens up for the open-hearted.

Final Thoughts: The Gift Is Now

This life? It’s the gift.

Not perfect. Not predictable. But priceless.

Sometimes we look for miracles, forgetting that we are one.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

So open your eyes like it’s Christmas morning.

Unwrap this day like it’s been handpicked for you.

Because it has.

And the greatest way to honor the gift of life… is to live it.

Dear Reader,

May you wake up tomorrow with wonder in your bones.

May you see your breath as proof of purpose and your story as one God is still writing.

May you live fully, give freely, and love without holding back.

Because life is your gift.

Unwrap it.

Soul Path Insights