We all have dreams, ambitions and life aspirations; personal goals, career objectives and community/world impact are just a few areas. For the most part, we probably have a vision of what that path looks like to achieve them, but sometimes a bump in the road throws us off. When it happens to me, I run to God with a long list of questions ‘what did I get wrong’… ‘what then are you preparing me for’? The other night though, He answered back, ‘what are you preparing for?’

Here’s a story I was recently told. Famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden led one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, winning 10 NCAA Championships in 12 years. Toward the end of his life, he was asked what one day from his storied career he would choose to re-live if given the chance. Wooden said he would conduct one more day of practice in the gym because “each day of practice was, by far, the most fulfilling, exciting, and memorable thing I did as a coach. That’s where I taught those under my supervision how to achieve success as members of a team.”

I think about David and Goliath. Before the big showdown, there was the setup. David spent his youth shepherding day in and day out. Even after Samuel anointed him King of Israel, David didn’t take the throne until many years later. On that infamous battle day, David was only a shepherd boy, equipped with a testimony of God’s help in the field to fight a lion and bear in order to protect the sheep. That was the preparation David needed to stand with his sling and shoot down the beast-that was a man God prepared to be king before he ever took the crown.

I think about some of the more ‘simple’ desires of the heart; becoming a great spouse, parent, leader or disciple. When we can’t tangibly see or be in the moment requiring greatness, it’s difficult to find motive for daily preparation. But truthfully, we don’t become a great spouse the moment we say ‘I do’. Every day prior to the altar, we must choose to be diligent in our journey with this goal in mind.

Here’s what that looks like for me. Instead of pouring a bowl of cereal for a single gal, I make a conscious effort to prepare nutritious choices. With that same vision in mind, the company I keep is full of female friendships and wisdom, as I’ve learned to let go of male relationships. Like David, these days are the testimony of God’s preparation in me to be a great ‘queen’ or bride. I’m choosing to walk today in regard to the choices I will make tomorrow.

So what are you preparing for? Tomorrow starts with today.

My future is worth it. Pear, arugula, balsamic flatbread with pine nuts and mozzarella cheese.

My future is worth it- Eggplant, fresh sage and aged asiago cheese. Asparagus, mushrooms, onions, peppers topped with tomatoes, white wine, fresh basil, cracked pepper and olive oil.