 Photo by HT Photography "Don't count the days. Make the days count." Muhammad Ali "One more day!" It’s a phrase I’ve repeated countless times throughout my life. Each time, it marked the end of something familiar and the beginning of something truly special. One more day until summer vacation... One more day until the wedding... One more day until the baby arrives... One more day until graduation... The list goes on and on. Recently I have been challenged in my spirit to look at the concept of "one more day" in a completely different light and I would like to share it with you. What if we began to see the phrase one more day in a completely new way, opposite to how we usually think of it? What if we viewed one more day not as something to count down, but as a precious gift from God, an opportunity to embrace and make meaningful? Let me explain. I’m planning to retire in a few years, and I’ve often found myself counting down the months and days. That’s understandable. But lately, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit gently challenge me: instead of focusing on the countdown, why not focus on the now? Why not be grateful for one more day to make a difference? Each day is a chance to show kindness, to serve, to shine light into a world that so desperately needs it. There’s so much work to be done in this world, and we need everyone, every heart, every hand on board.  Photo by HT Photography One more day to be kindIn my last blog post, Be the Sunshine, I shared the story of my mom and how she radiated kindness to everyone she met. For her, each new day was an opportunity to offer a kind word or a loving gesture to anyone who crossed her path. If you missed that post, you can check it out here. Never underestimate the power of kindness. If there’s something kind you’ve been meaning to do for someone, don’t wait but do it today. A simple act of love can make all the difference.  Photo by: Photo by Polina at Pexels.com One more day to make an impactThis broken world needs you, and the unique gifts that only you can offer. You were created by God with a distinct calling and a powerful purpose. So be confident. Step boldly into your calling. Add value. Join a cause. Fulfill a dream. Take that leap of faith. Do the thing that’s been on your heart for longer than you can remember. The world is already a better place because you are in it. Don’t let anything or anyone dim your light. Be a joy-spreader. Make it your mission each day to leave the world a little better, whether in small ways or big ones. The choice is yours. Don’t waste your days. Instead, choose to be someone who cherishes each moment and the incredible potential it holds.  Photo by TMS Sam at Pexels.com One more day to accept the love of JesusOur world needs God now more than ever. It feels like things are falling apart more and more each day, but here’s the good news: this is not how the story has to end. Jesus came to offer freedom, a true freedom that only He can give. He died on the cross to forgive our sins and to release us from the weight of past regrets and choices that were never part of His plan for us. Through Him, we can live each day with purpose, peace, and and a renewed sense of hope. Every single day can be better, richer, fuller, when we accept the free gift of salvation He offers. If you haven’t yet made the decision to follow Jesus, I encourage you: don’t wait. Make Him the Lord of your life today. From that moment on, you’ll never walk alone. You’ll do life with Him by your side and what an incredible life that is.  Photo by Brett Jordan at Pexels.com Well, my friends, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought. I’m speaking to myself just as much as I’m speaking to you, because I constantly need the reminder to thank God for one more day to follow Him and do His will. I want to live a life that makes Him proud. I don’t want to waste the potential He’s given me or miss out on the beautiful plan He has for my life. I’m not special. I’m just an ordinary person. But when partnered with an extraordinary God, I become unstoppable. God delights in using ordinary people just like you and me to make an extraordinary impact in this world. So, will you join me in making the gift of one more day truly count? Call to Action
Until next time, my friends, Dana 🎵 Check out this amazing song: "One More Day" by Sons of Sunday here. Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi) Tags: make the days count, make a difference, thankfulness, live life, change your world
 Photo by HT Photography
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 Photo by Ksenia Chernaya @ pexels.com Throughout my teaching career, I've had the pleasure of meeting and teaching many sweet, little kids. However, one particular little guy stood out as one of the sweetest kids I have ever met. He was always thanking me for everything, so polite, always wishing me a wonderful weekend, and was such a dedicated learner. What really stood out to me was how he treated his female cousin, who was also a student at our school. Day after day, he would meet her at the bell and carry not only his backpack but hers as well. This was no easy task, as he would wear his backpack on his back and hers on the front, every single day. He was always looking out for her and was so kind. It was very noticeable on a daily basis just how exceptional this kid was. I recall telling him one day how proud I was of him and how I had noticed his extreme kindness to everyone, especially his cousin. He beamed with pride until I made the mistake of saying, "You will make a great husband one day." As he was in grade 2, he quickly replied, "Now why would you ever say that? I NEVER want to be a husband, like ever!" I then said, "Oh, I think you will change your mind about that in the future." He responded, "No way, I will never change my mind because I never want to be anyone's husband!" I then said, "Ok, no problem. Well, you sure will make a good friend one day!" He smiled again and said, "Thank you so much. I agree!"  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana This got me thinking about how sometimes others see things in us that we aren't ready to receive or just don't want to hear. In high school, I was told that I would make a great teacher. My co-op teacher even set up an opportunity for me to visit a local kindergarten classroom to experience a day in the life of an elementary teacher. It was a positive experience, yet I flat out told him, "Thanks, but no thanks. Teaching is not for me." Many others suggested teaching to me, and it was a very slow process for me to actually warm up to the idea. Now, 20 years in, I can't imagine doing any other career. Timing is truly everything in life and thank goodness I saw things differently in time. God sees us with unlimited potential right from the get-go. He sees us as unique and dearly loved. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" the Bible says. He had a purpose, and created us to fulfill it. He has such BIG plans for all of us, yet we can so easily limit ourselves by being close-minded, stubborn, or just plain scared to take risks. My desire now is to be really open to new possibilities and to seek God's direction for my life like never before. New paths and stepping out of comfort zones can be scary, yet so rewarding as well. It is true what they say: "Never say never." Some of the things that you flat out refuse to even consider, just like in my case with my career, may end up being not only a huge blessing but one of the best decisions you will ever make. Call to Action:
Drop a comment below about an area of your life that you might be willing to try something new in.  Until next time, Dana P.S. Never say never! Some very cool experiences could be waiting for you just around the corner. P.S.S. Also, don't tell my sweet student, but I still stand by what I said, and he most definitely will make a wonderful husband one day! I said what I said! Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: teaching, careers, taking risk, stepping out of comfort zones, open-minded, new things, growth mindset, elementary teacherCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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