When I was younger, I never really thought about what I was going to be doing with myself later in life. Having an idea that one day I would help people, but never really understanding what that meant. During my awakening, I realized that we are all in the service industry whether we truly understand it or not. We all have the ability to serve.

It is through this understanding that a flame ignites within our soul, aspiring to serve each and every person we meet. Through random or specific encounters, we have a choice: make or break another person’s day. Our words have so much power, with abilities we may not fully understand.

Either raise someone up or kick them to the curb, it is merely a choice. Whichever path we choose there are consequences to be had.~Joseph

On an individual level, we have the same innate ability to make or break our own days…with merely our thoughts. If we have thoughts of despair or invincibility, either way it will define our reality. Change our thoughts to that of good and nothing…I mean nothing…shall get in our way.

How do we do this? How do we come to know this place of invincibility? For me, it was finding God. Not just a person whom to pray to, but a personal friend and confidant who will always be there for me. Whether up or down, afraid or fearless, assuredly God is always there.

Earlier today I had a wonderful experience with two wonderful Dish Network installers. They not only called, asking permission to come earlier than our scheduled appointment, but they shared wonderful Words. The conversation which had the most meaning was that of the Mayweather fight, which took place last week. One of the gentlemen pointed out how Mayweather was not only a champion in the ring, but in life. As the awarding of his title, Mayweather gave thanks to God. As many athletes do, he looked to the heavens, pointing and giving praise.

While this is noble, it was not the notable conversation that stuck with me throughout the day. When we discussed Mayweathers praise to God on a successful win, we asked “do we ever see the loser of a bout or any sporting event, for that matter, give the same praise in which we see during the victories? Wow! was all we thought about, as we both came to a realization that as an individual who chooses to praise God, it is in our victories that gives meaning, but it is the faithful servant who gives praise during a win or defeat.

Just as in life, we often remember to give praise for our blessings…but do we remember to give praise when we are down? Still thinking about this, as I give thanks for the encounter of my days, I realize that even I do not give enough credit to the Creator of this great Canvas of Life. Whether it is an encounter with a cable installer, a street person, or a professional of some sort, we have the ability to Praise God at every given encounter. As we greet another human being, we have the choice to greet them as an individual or come to know them as God sees us…one of His family.

Through the eyes of flesh, we see individual as labels; through the eyes of Spirit, we see them as He sees us…a shining star.~Ani Po

In this moment of exchange, we ignite a fire within… fire that not only lights an eternal flame, but feeds the soul for all eternity…giving us everything we need in life. In this moment of exchange we see others as ourselves, even greater than the self, we see them as God sees us…a spark of the divine. With every encounter, a gift is given, whether direct or indirect the exchange is made…changing our lives forever.

Stepping into the Canvas Igniting the Flame, we not only see the good and the perceived bad, but we see All as Good. Seeing All as Good, we return to the innocence of a child, seeing everything as a miracle, amazed at the many blessings continuing to multiply within our days. With every step a miracle is born, with every step our words become His, with every step…we see All as Good.