Have you ever thought about all the things you have to do? I have to go to work, I have to do laundry, I have to clean the house, I have to exercise, I have to pay the bills, I have to buy groceries. I’ve caught myself doing this countless times, but lately I’ve made it a point to shift that mindset into something different—“I get to.”

One day not too long ago, I found myself absolutely exhausted. I opened up the alarm app on my phone, and I wrestled with myself (and God) for a minute. Every part of me wanted to set my alarm to 7:15am. But I know 7:15 is my bare minimum time—the time it takes for me to shower, get dressed, and make it to work by 8:30. “I have to get up and read my Bible.” I told myself. That thought actually made me cringe with conviction. That’s when it hit me—the realization that I needed a new perspective.

I get to spend time with God my Father, the Creator of the universe, the Creator of me! I get to talk to Him and spend time in His presence first thing in the morning before I do anything else. How amazing is that? I get to study His very own Word, and I get to do it at my own pace with no tests! (no written ones anyway)

One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to become more grateful—not just for the big things but the small things too. I get to go to work because by the grace of God I made it through nursing school. I get to do laundry, clean the house, and move my body because I’m healthy and able. I get to pay my bills and put food on the table because God is good! And best of all, I get to tell Him that each and every morning.