Midweek Morsel: Seizing Opportunities

Unexpected opportunities can sure mess with our schedules. A moment packed with potential presents itself, and we’re met with the dilemma of either staying on task or pulling away and taking advantage of the opportunity before us. Which will we do?

More and more I’m learning to seize the moment before it disappears. Whether it’s taking time to take photos of beautiful birds at the feeder or putting my work on hold to offer some encouraging words or help, I’m learning to set aside my agenda and give attention to the things God brings before me.

I admit I feel guilty and frustrated many times when I don’t get as much done in a day as I’d hoped to. But we type-A, goal-oriented folks need to learn that God’s plan is sometimes different from ours—and his is better.

Let’s be ready to accept the gifts of potential-packed moments God sends our way. Let’s take time to unwrap them. Let’s seize our opportunities.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

*What unexpected gift of opportunity have you unwrapped lately?

*My photo

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It’s not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Connect with me on my new Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook!

Comments

  1. This past Sunday in our Sunday School class (4th & 5th graders)I shared a story about one of our leaders who had lost her nephew tragically last summer. His mom had asked that we be “intentional” to celebrate his life on his birthday. She wanted us to tell or do something for someone that was special to us. I had the kids write a small list and tell about a special time they remembered about a special person in their lives. I then told them I wanted them to give it to that special person. I was amazed how quiet (64 kids)got and watched them think and write to their person. It was a gift for me to see how serious the kids took this assignment and an honor for us to celebrate this little boys’ life. Sunday would have been is 8th birthday.

  2. Nanette, thanks for sharing. I’m sure this opportunity you seized impacted the lives of many of those kids. They’ll always remember that exercise.

  3. Cheryl, sometimes we are so focused on our to-do list we don’t even see the opportunities. My devotional reading today from Jesus Calling said “Approach each new day with desire to find Me.” Wow, if we could be that focused on God what an amazing day we’d have.

  4. Deb, I know what you mean about missing opportunities — I have a tendency toward tunnel vision. And thanks for sharing from the Jesus Calling devotional!

  5. Jury duty really threw me for a loop. I hate that I don’t have much time to write these days – this has been somewhat of a loss for me. That being said, I am taking the time to see God in all the many interruptions in my life.

    peace~elaine

  6. Yes, indeed, Elaine. God is in the interruptions. When I can remember that, I’m a lot better off! :)

  7. Amen! Waiting and interruptions are good for the soul.
    Great lesson and reminder.

  8. Nancy, waiting can be hard to do. Thanks for pointing out that there are opportunities in waiting as well!

Leave a Comment

*