When it rains, trickles tumble into the river, adding to the rising waters. As the waters rise and the current increases, a prime opportunity for river tubing is presented. There is a window when the tubing is best, with water high and rapids created as the water rushes over the rocks. The mistake made by many is to put off the opportunity for another time, forgetting the waters will recede just as quickly and opportunity will have passed by.
Isn’t that true of life itself? Opportunities present themselves at the most inconvenient times and too often, we let them pass by. It may be a job promotion that means a change of locations. It may be a request to do lead a project and you decline, only to realize later that it was a stepping stone to something greater. Maybe the opportunity was to meet someone for dinner, but it would mean canceling a meeting and driving two hours. It could be an invitation to fish or hike that you decline in favor of doing housework that could have waited.
I’m reminded of the opportunity people had to attend a lavish banquet. Rather than take the opportunity when it came, each came up with a reason why they could not attend. They missed a great opportunity.
Luke 14:16-24 (ESV) But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant[a] to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yokes of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’”
Let’s not be a part of the crowd who declines invitations and misses opportunities.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunities you bring my way. May I learn to recognize them and respond quickly; knowing the window of time will not stand open forever. In my scurrying through life, may I not miss all of the good things you desire to give me. Teach me not to miss the moment.
Excerpt: "Lessons From The River" by Dr. Mel Tavares, Release Date of April 8, 2021