A Beautiful Life is Your Calling

It was a simple phrase I came across, but it stopped me in my tracks: A beautiful life is your calling. Not just a hope. Not a luxury. A calling. It reminded me that a life well lived is crafted not by grand moments, but by intentional choices—especially in how we treat others. As I’ve been reading John Maxwell’s 25 Ways to Win With People, I’ve been reminded of three simple but powerful actions that have shaped my life and could shape yours. These aren’t theories. They’re things I’ve lived, moments that have left their mark. And I believe they are stepping stones on the path toward a truly beautiful life.

Practice The 30-Second Rule
Maxwell suggests that within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone, we should find something encouraging to say. A kind word. A compliment. A recognition of their worth. This is more than good manners—it’s a way of seeing people. Everyone is carrying something heavy, and you never know when your words will be the spark that reignites their hope. I’ve tried to live by this, and I can tell you: one uplifting word can change a person’s whole trajectory.

Let People Know You Need Them
Leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about inviting others into something meaningful. Years ago, when I was helping lead our Wednesday morning prayer breakfasts, we were feeding over 200 people each week. It would have been impossible without the army of volunteers and students who rolled up their sleeves and shared messages of love and hope. I learned the power of telling people, “I can’t do this without you.” Because the truth is—we’re better together.

Create a Memory and Visit It Often
There are moments we carry in our hearts like treasure. One of mine is a trip I took with my granddaughter Jadyn to Nashville. Just the two of us. I pulled out all the stops—country music landmarks, five-star meals, laughter that echoed down hallways of our hotel. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a moment planted deep in the soil of our relationship. And every time I revisit that memory, I’m reminded: don’t wait. Make memories now. You’ll need them later.

You don’t have to be famous, wealthy, or extraordinary to live a beautiful life. You just have to be intentional. Encourage others. Invite them in. Create meaningful memories. That’s how we leave fingerprints on the hearts of those we love—and answer the call of a beautiful life well lived.