A Norvell Note for January 10, 2022
Vol. 26 No. 02
Opportunities Will Come
On a lazy, relaxed, drizzly Saturday morning, I scanned through images on social media and reflected on the week that had just passed. Both have reminded me of people I love, places I have visited, experiences I have had, and some things I might like to do. The year behind, the year ahead, and today.
I see photos of young people and college students who now have families of their own, and many are caring for their aged parents.
I see images of friends enjoying vacations, describing their latest move, celebrating their children’s achievements, posing with their grandchildren, and scarfing down food at their favorite restaurants.
I read stories of family members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, holding memorials for loved ones, posting pictures of our ancestors, and sharing childhood memories.
It’s easy to hang out too long in what was and what might be, but eventually, we must come back to where we are.
A New Year comes with built-in expectations of being better at the end of the year than we are at the beginning. That doesn’t happen all at once. It happens over time by taking advantage of opportunities as they come. Consider these examples.
You will have an opportunity to encourage someone today. Don’t miss the opportunity.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)
You will have an opportunity, maybe more than one, to treat someone, not in your immediate community with kindness. Don’t miss the opportunity.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5, NIV)
You will have an opportunity to do good to everyone you interact with today. So don’t miss the opportunity.
Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10, NIV)
You will have the opportunity to live wisely today. Make the most of that opportunity.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)
Are you hoping to be a better person a year from now than you are today? You can be, and you may help others to be better along the way. So take advantage of the opportunities.
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved
You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.