A number of times, we see in the Bible a direct call to make a positive choice: to choose life, to say "yes" to life.

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your seed may live".
Deuteronomy 30:19

How do we say "yes" to life? By steadfastly affirming God's goodness, and by declaring that this goodness is freely available to us, at all times and in all circumstances.

The goodness of God is the ultimate reality that transcends all negative appearances. Knowing that, we will have courage to bring it forth into manifestation by doing necessary spiritual, mental, and physical work.

The call of God to choose implies that nothing just happens. The life we live is a product of our making, whether we realize it, or not. Being true children of the Creator, we are creators of our circumstances and experiences. The great number of people allow themselves to exist as if they were bondage of the outside world and its conditions, but their conviction is mere an illusion. Oftentimes, illusions are persisting, but it does not makes them real.

For devotees of many religions, an idea that we are free and responsible creators of our life, doesn't sound humble enough. They insist that it leads to pride, self-exaltation, and lack of true reverence to God. But I believe that humility cannot be less than faithfulness to our innate potential. True reverence does not have anything to do with denying of God's generous gifts.

Looking at the world around, I see that all living things grow and develop. It seems to be an universal urge of life - to become greater, to surpass, to excel itself. Are we any less or any different in this respect than other living creatures? Certainly, not.

"I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10), said Jesus. Traditionally, these words were understood that as a promise of better afterlife for believers. However, this opinion fails to take into account an important fact about Jesus and His ministry. His teaching was focused on daily life and experiences of an individual. According to Him, the Kingdom of God is "at hand" - within reach of all who want to enjoy its blessings.

Jesus came to reveal people the truth of God and of themselves - the powerful, liberating truth, which is able to put them on the path of never-ending development and unfoldment. As we accept His vision of reality, we expel from our consciousness "thieves and robbers" - negative mental patterns which steal our good. We become fully alive, here and now.

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day" (Matthew 6:34, RSV). In the light of this saying, it is hard to understand why believers are so concerned about afterlife. If we are not to be anxious even about tomorrow, why worry about what will be next? Our future is being created today, and only by living fully now, by saying "yes" to life in its manifold aspects, we take care of it in the best way.

As we consciously enter into the Presence, we may boldly declare:

I say "yes" to God and to all God's blessings. I am ready to accept and to experience all that comes from the One Source.

I say "yes" to life, being determined to live fully, courageously, and creatively. I am open to infinite growth.

I say "yes" to myself. I am true to myself - to my gifts and talents, to my unique character traits, to the place where I am. I embrace myself without complaints of reservations, knowing that I am a valuable and indispensable part of the great Whole.

I say "yes" to others - to people around me, and to my circumstances. No matter what the appearances could be, I accept my work and my life mission - to be the light of my world. As I become spiritually uplifted by the Truth, I uplift the world. As I become transformed, I transform the world. As I become enlightened, I enlighten the world.

Thank you, God, for this glorious life!