EXCELLENCE IN THE MIDST OF A LOT OF FAILURE

Edward Steichen, who eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers, almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures.

At 16, young Steichen bought a camera and took 50 photos. Only one turned out -- a portrait of his sister at the piano.

Edward's father thought that was a poor showing. But his mother insisted that the photograph of his sister was so beautiful that it more than compensated for 49 failures.

Her encouragement convinced the youngster to stick with his new hobby. He stayed with it for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call.

What tipped the scales? The vision to spot excellence in the midst of a lot of failure. (Bits & Pieces)

Before Jephthah became a ruler, how was his situation? (Jud 11) Son of a prostitute, chased out of the house by his step-brothers & his friends-circle consisted of ‘worthless people.’ Though he was living in such a negative environment, he had one positive quality – ‘brave soldier.’ Obviously because he focused himself on his positive quality, God used that quality as a handle to lift him up into public service.

Hence, Php 4:8 (ISV) says: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy-keep thinking about these things.”