Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 8

Thoughts at Mid-Winter

I decided to write the devotions for this week before “Groundhog Day”; I am pretty certain that we will have six more weeks of winter whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not. In the bleakness of winter, generating energy can sometimes be tough. Maybe these thoughts can prove helpful.

“The greatest achievement of the human spirit
is to live up to one’s opportunities and
make the most of one’s resources.”
--Marquis de Vauvenargues

Today’s quote comes from the French writer who died at the far too youthful age of 31. He was encouraged to write by Voltaire, the great French philosopher and commentator on civil liberties. The Marquis’ works were not circulated broadly until 50 years after his death and became well known about a century after his death.

Many would not consider an achievement great unless recognition was given. The Marquis lived up to his opportunities and made the most of what he had, even though recognition of his gifts and contributions was not truly noted until decades later.

The mid-winter questions might be: What opportunities are before you? Can you make better use of your resources?

--Ben Keckler
02.08.11