Midweek Morsel: Missed Opportunities, Silver Linings

Sometimes we let opportunities pass right by us. A few weeks ago, I wrote about seizing opportunities God sends our way, and I’m a firm believer in trying to do just that. However, for whatever reason, sometimes we miss out on them. And if you’re like me, you kick yourself over and over again for your goof up.

Instead of dwelling on what we missed, let’s find and focus on a silver lining to the botched opportunity. For example, I’ve failed to have my camera battery charged at times when I could have captured some awesome photos of unusual bird sightings in my back yard. When this happens, I try to remind myself that there can be a silver lining. Instead of focusing on taking photos, I’m now free to simply enjoy the sight and revel in the beauty of the moment.

Let’s not wallow in regret–even when the consequences of our failures are more serious than missed photos. Let’s choose to look for the positive. Spotting the silver linings can keep us looking up and moving forward.

“. . . if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 3:8

*What silver lining have you noticed after a missed opportunity? You might also like to read other perspectives on missed opportunities and foul-ups.

*Flickr photo by ninja gecko

Comments

  1. Jennifer Dougan says

    Hi Cheryl,

    I had a missed opportunity to share my faith more deeply with a dying doctor, and has always regretted not pursuing it further. It spurs me on now though not to have similar regrets.

    In lower posts, you mentioned a waiting time that your family is walking through…? Have I missed a key post?

    Warmly,

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • Jennifer, some missed opportunities are hard to forget, aren’t they? I’ve had a few of those, too. I try to keep in mind that there may be a reason I missed a particular opportunity and trust that God can work in spite of me dropping the ball.
      The waiting time our family is in the midst of has to do with Kristin and Shawn’s efforts to adopt a baby. The post I announced their plans in was around a year ago so you may have indeed missed it. It’s hard to wait. A real lesson in trusting God and his timing.

  2. nancy douglas says

    I love your perspective. I’d kick myself too for not being able to capture the moment but you are right, attempts to capture a moment can lead us to miss it all together. Thanks for the reminder!

    • Thanks, Nancy. And you’re so right — where taking photos is concerned, I need to guard against being so caught up in taking the photos that I miss getting to enjoy and soak up the moment. Balance is the key — as in so many things, right?

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