I can remember long before responsibility came into my life.

I never realized a mortgage existed. Turning the lights on and not turning them off as I went through our home was of no importance to me.

My problems were that of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Prayer was not an important part of my family’s life. If I prayed at all, my petitions were for God to help me get a passing grade. That was all I cared about.

I can remember my dad saying, “You can do better. You are not even trying!” I was doing just enough to get by so I could run and play or put on my boxing gloves.

As I grew older, my responsibilities changed. I now pay the mortgage and the light and heat bills, among others. Supplying enough food for our family is an important part of my responsibilities. My needs have also changed.

My Christian values went from simply believing to being in a relationship with my God. As my belief matured, so did my petitions. I talk to God about everything, asking for His strength, His love, His guidance.

Psalm 86:6-7 gives us strength in our lives today. No matter where we are in our relationship with God, He has given us His grace through the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.