As we all continue in this New Year there is so much pressure on all of us to move forward, succeed, learn more, do more and on and on. However, I read a story the other day and the moral of the story gave me great understanding of how God works with us when we are under pressure. 

Nicolo Paganini was a well known and gifted nineteenth-century violinist.  His most memorable concert, however, was one marked by a difficult test rather than easy success.  The concert was performed with a full orchestra before a packed house in Italy.  Those who heard him play say that Paganini's technique was incredible and his tone fantastic.  Toward the end of the concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with an intricate composition when one string on his violin suddenly snapped and hung limply from his instrument.  Paganini frowned only briefly, shook his head, and continued to play improvising beautifully.

Then to everyone's surprise, including Paganini, a second string broke.  Shortly thereafter, a third string snapped.  It seemed like a slapstick comedy routine as Paganini stood firm.  He calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string-a performance that won him applause, admiration, and enduring fame.

Your best work may be performed under tough and unusual circumstances.  So don't give up. Just keep playing.

The secret of success is to be like a duck--smooth and unruffled on the top, but paddling furiously underneath.

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