How easy it would be to become proud after having received a mystical experience or vision. Paul notes with a bit of irony that the Lord's gifts to him have not meant that he is any holier or "together" than anyone else. He still has his weaknesses and struggles. He doesn't bother telling us what they are, and that is not important. His realization that the grace of God is all that we need to see us through to the end is a great encouragement. When we surrender ourselves and our weaknesses totally to God, there we are empowered by Him. When we try to go it alone by our own efforts, we are most likely going to fall hard! A true sign of someone's holiness is not how "perfect" they are, but how much they cling to God's grace and continue to move forward in the face of adversity.

It is true that some worry about earning a living while others go about their lives calmly. Nevertheless Jesus invites us to leave the worrying to God. Focus totally on God and how to live a life in God and you will be surprised at how well everything turns out. When we open our minds and hearts to God, we make it possible for Him to help us. When we are consumed with negativity and worry, we have shut the door in God's face. One of the most important ways to focus on God's Kingdom is to live in a state of gratitude for the many blessings God gives us each day. To be truly grateful is the deepest form of prayer.