18 | March | 2013 | Thoughts of Grace

March 18, Today’s thought – Success

the Farmer has dug up all the grass at Cozy Acres,
defined two flower areas with river rock borders,
planted flowers I brought home from Grandma Crain’s
and hopes to sow grass seed this week.

Good Morning

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8

Perhaps nothing diverts us from focused living
more than our concept of success.
Published studies inform us
of what conveys power in body language,
business lunches, and the cars we strive.
We ‘dress for success.’
Society is not only preoccupied with the image of success,
but for the most part is dependent on
someone else to define success. . . .
Was Jesus successful?
He had no home of his own.
The successful people of His day viewed Him skeptically,
if not with hostility.
His followers were a ragtag bunch
without social or political influence.
And even this motley crew fell away
as He approached the Cross.
None of His disciples
accompanied Him in His darkest hour.
He had neither wealth, political power,
or unusual physical beauty. . .
Jesus measured His own success by one criterion:
“I came. . .not to my will
but to do the will of him who sent me” John 6:38.
“I finished the work.”
Jean Fleming Finding Focus in a Whirlwind World