By Phyllis Gregg, Presiding Bishopric office director

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

One day, my oldest grandson and I were spending time together. We were laughing, playing, talking, and simply enjoying being together. It was one of those ordinary days that somehow just make you happy.

At one point, Ethan turned to me and asked, “Grandma, why does God make people?”

I paused. I wanted to give him an answer that was wise and meaningful. But before I could find the right words, he said, “I think God made you so you could be here for me.”

I seriously had no words. So, I simply hugged him.

Sometimes we think about each other in terms of purpose, gifts, calling, or perhaps the ways we are meant to serve. My grandson saw something much simpler. We are made for one another.

We often live and think in terms of “me”—what I need, what I have earned, what I deserve, what I can keep. But God’s vision invites us toward “we.”

What if the gifts, resources, opportunities, and abundance in our lives are not simply for ourselves? What if they are part of a larger web of relationships, given so that we can be present for one another?

My wellbeing is connected to yours. Your flourishing matters to mine. The choices we make about money, resources, work, and creation affect people we may never meet. What we do always has a ripple effect on others.

My grandson understood that before he was old enough to know the words for it.

And perhaps that is the heart of moving from “me” to “we”: recognizing that we were made for one another.

Prayer Phrase

“I am about to do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18).

Embrace Abundance

Take a slow breath and open your hands. Consider one thing you have received—love, grace, time, resources, or opportunity. Now ask: “What has been given to me that I can share with someone else?” Hold that thought for a moment. As you breathe in, say: “I receive with gratitude.” As you breathe out: “I give faithfully with generosity.” Pray: “May I trust there is enough when I choose to share what I have for the welfare of all.”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.