“Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability.” -Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV
Not too long ago, I referred to myself as a flower planted in the crack of a driveway.—planted in a dysfunctional home environment with no fertilized soil for my roots to take hold and spread. There was no sunshine, shade, or rain to grow adequately. Later, I realized God equipped me with gifts and talents that enabled me to transplant myself, which gave me hope. With hope, I felt empowered to survive. Hope fueled my fire, providing me with motivation and encouragement on dark and difficult days.
Continuing to build on hope, I eventually aspired to ascend from surviving to thriving, and to do so, I had to do my absolute best while hoping God’s grace would work alongside me. Despite the environment, lack of resources and support, and difficult circumstances, everything I worked at I did at 110%. I believe God was pleased with my hard work, and he sent many faithful servants along the journey to help me replant myself. Today my roots are planted firmly in fertile soil, the word of God, and I’m growing.
Hope becomes powerful when we combine it with excellence and the grace of God; this is where our hopes and dreams manifest into reality. I charge you today to do your best in all circumstances and trust that God will give you the grace you need. Never let your circumstances or emotions dictate your level of effort. Be unshakable in your hope and effort. Be confident that you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13).
Written by Tiffany Davis ’17, flight attendant, Southwest Airlines
