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Key Bible Verse: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Bonus Reading: 1 Peter 4:10–11

Ricardo Valencia's passion is children. He works to ignite a love for reading and an interest in current events through Experience Today, USA Today's daily guide for students. This guide challenges students across America to read news clips, think critically about what's happening in the world, and discuss what they learn. Valencia wants to "give students something to take home that will help them rebuild their family dinner-table conversations—the kind I learned so much from growing up."

Valencia didn't always follow his heart. He first went to college to "chase the dollar" as a produce broker. "Then," he says, "I began asking myself, 'What's my life all about?'" The answer drew on his roots, growing up in a home where migrant farm workers knew the door was always open for input and help from his believing family.

Valencia shifted from agribusiness to educational roles with his state and then the Future Farmers of America. Today, as USA Today's director of education, Ricardo says "I wake up and pinch myself each day for the work I'm doing. How did I get so lucky?" The first thing he does at his office is to recite today's Key Bible Verse.

—Cindy Crosby in Life@Work

My Response: I'll thank God today for what I love about my work.

Thought to Apply: Nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else. —William James (psychologist and philosopher)

Adapted from Life@Work (9-10/99) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Thank You, Creator God, for uniquely designing me. Point me to what I can do that will satisfy me and glorify You.

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