Opportunities

I am a passionate list maker.

I’ve got lists everywhere.  Lists of groceries, lists of tasks to be completed, birthday gift lists, lists of deadlines, lists of books I want to read and movies I want to see, lists of writing ideas.  I have lists of household items I need (and want) to buy; I even have a list of items from our wedding china that will make a complete set.

I know – ridiculous.

“Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:16).  Are any of these things on my lists going to please God in these evil days?  Were any of my lists conceived solely for that purpose?

No.  They weren’t.

There is not one item on any of my lists that says “Help someone.” “Make a meal for someone.” “Visit someone who is lonely.”

I tell myself that my lists are innocuous, innocent.  I don’t push aside the needs of others in order to cross items off my lists.  Not one of the items says “Rule the world.”

Life is complicated; it goes so fast.  Things need to get done.  But amidst the busy-ness of life, am I making the most of every opportunity?  Recently I skipped Bible study to have lunch with a girlfriend who asked me to be there.  I feel like I did the right thing.  Is God pleased with my choice?  I hope that this was considered to be an opportunity that I made the most of. 

I pray that God is pleased with my choice. 

He might feel differently about the china.

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So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)