You've Earned It

I love that my children work hard for what they want to achieve. They don't expect successes to just land on them ... they earn them. Anton will receive an award on April 20 for Most Outstanding Student in the Hospitality, Sports & Tourism Management School at Troy University. It is quite an honor and he is wholly deserving. We pray his education and acknowledgements will help bring his career dreams to fruition and know he will work his hardest make that happen.

We are equally proud of Kayla and her diligent efforts at school in locking down exactly what she wants to do and giving her all to achieve it. We love bragging on Rob when we see what he has accomplished as executive chef at The Blue Rooster, enjoying a delicious meal he has prepared (or drooling over one we get to see pictures of) and appearing relaxed and confident in television appearances. And we are so proud of Ayla who achieved a bachelor's degree in just three years, then a master's to make her dreams of working in the culinary industry a success. How could we not be in praise and worship of the Father for the people you are and progress you've made?! Glory to Him.

While doing my devotion the other morning, I came upon this verse in Deuteronomy 8:18, "It is God who gives you the ability to produce wealth." Our Father has gifted us individually to do what we do. When people have discovered their talents and put them to good use, it is so satisfying. When Moses wrote Deuteronomy to the Israelites wanted them remember Who to praise when they achieved job successes. To God be the glory.

We pray that all four of you will be vastly successful in your careers. In the movie Flashdance, the love interest, Nick Hurley, in the movie says to Alex Owens, the main character, "When you give up your dream, you die." So reach for the dreams you've set for yourself. We know you will work hard at whatever you do because we've seen your track record thus far. While wealth would certainly be an added blessing, it is our hope especially, that you will be content with whatever you have in whatever circumstances you find yourselves (Phil. 4:11). And remember to always thank your Father in heaven for those successes. For it is in Him that "we live and move and have our being" (Acts. 17:28).

Discussion: What are your talents? Dreams? What is success to you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the abilities You have given us to care for one another in our jobs. We pray, Lord, for your blessings on both couples and their careers and that You will be glorified in it all. In Jesus, Amen.