Dr. John Dunlop, who studies what it’s like to grow older, has two simple rules for staying mentally healthy as we age: “Rule 1: Wake up every morning knowing what you are going to do that day. Rule 2: Go to bed every night knowing that you helped someone.”

Those are great rules for anyone, no matter how old they are! Whether you’re 8 or 88, it’s good to have a purpose each day and to look for ways to help others.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” (Isaiah 50:4, NIV). That means every morning God has something for us to do and someone for us to encourage!

Sometimes people think they’re too young to serve God, or too busy or not smart enough. But God has a purpose for every single day of your life! He wants to use you right now at whatever age you are to show His love to others.

You don’t have to wait until you’re a grown-up to make a difference for God. You can encourage someone today, help your family, or tell a friend about Jesus. Every day is a gift from God, and He has something special planned for you to do!

Take Action: Follow Dr. Dunlop’s rules today! When you wake up tomorrow morning, ask God, “What do You want me to do today?” Maybe He’ll lead you to help your mom with chores, be extra kind to a friend who seems sad, or read a Bible story to a younger sibling. Then before you go to bed, think about how you helped someone that day. You’ll sleep better knowing you lived with purpose!