Faith Comes By Hearing (Blog #8)

(This week's text comes from a guest contributor).

CARPE DIEM!!

By Marcia Emerson (Redding)

As I approach my 72nd year, the phrase Carpe Diem or seize the day, becomes more meaningful. Most of my physical life has already been lived, it's past tense. Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5 both speak of making the most of every opportunity that comes our way. How does one do this?  It requires being tuned into what is occurring in your life and in the lives of those around you. Seeing a need or wish and responding to it.

I look back on a truckload of opportunities I let slip by where I could have done well, but didn't. As I've become older, and hopefully wiser, I am trying not to add to that pile. I would rather err on the side of impulsiveness than passiveness. Sometimes by reacting quickly we can appear foolish, overly dramatic or inappropriate. I would rather risk that than fearfully holding back, not getting involved, being too busy doing my own thing.

Each particular slice of time will never come again. There is no redo. If we don't redeem, act on that moment in time, it's gone. Often on our own we aren't able to even identify opportunities that come our way. We need to ask God to give us his perception, insight, acuteness to recognize circumstances we can act on. And then ask Him for wisdom as to how best to respond.

Every morning I try to include in my talks with God a request for Him to open my eyes and heart to opportunities to make someone's day easier, better, happier. At 72 my days are limited, only so many opportunities left. At the end of my life I don't want to be beating myself up with regrets like, "if only....", "why didn't I...."

No matter what your age, get tuned in to God; respond to that opportunity that maybe only you can fill. Carpe Diem!