When someone asks you the question What is the secret to success? what do you say?
When I was 11 years old and lived in my native country of Bolivia, we did a strange thing when the weather changed.
“It’s starting to rain!” someone would call out. Then all of us dashed around grabbing old pots, cans and any containers we could find. One by one, we placed them under each spot of our leaky roof.
That was a routine for us. We accepted it. And even thought it normal when electricity and water shut off right at noon.
But what never stopped were ways for my brother and I to enjoy our childhood. The most exhilarating activity for me was to fly kites.
Gripping the ball of string attached to the kite, I ran in the open field, over weeds, rocks, dirt and mud. The wind caught under the kite and it tugged, taking it above trees, above the mountains, higher and higher. I glanced up and it swayed so high, I was sure it had reached the sky.
Nothing equaled that delight, that magic, that thrill of being connected to something so far, far away.
Have you experienced that connection? Not to a kite, but to something more majestic. It’s the strong connection to the faith that keeps us united with the power of God.
And while we run through the fields of life, through weeds of sorrow, and trip on rocks of disappointment, we’re still connected. When others turn their back, we’re still united with God’s acceptance. When life turns ugly, we’re still joined with the beauty of God’s promise to restore. And when devastation visits, we can still be attached to the hope that never ends. When the world sinks in gloom, because we’re connected, we fly high on the success that has nothing to do with bank accounts.
Jesus calls that connection the vine of His love. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
Father, help me remember that connected to you, to your vine is the secret to success and the path to pleasant results. Because of this truth, grant me the confidence to face life’s challenges with courage, with faith and peace in my soul. In the name of Jesus, amen.
• What are you connected to?
• What gives you security?
• Where does your hope come from?
Janet Eckles
If this message resonated with you, please visit Janet’s cyberspace home for more inspiration.