Today I’m joining in the five minute Friday conversation through the Gypsy Mama. I have five minutes to write, start to finish on a selected topic.
“We write because we love words and the relief it is to just write them without worrying if they’re just right or not. So we take five minutes on Friday and write like we used to run when we were kids.
GO
I’ve heard it said, many times, that “Opportunity knocks.”
Maybe for some, but for me, most of the time, it kicks down the door.
I’m not talking about incredible, money making opportunities or things of that sort. I’m referring to the everyday opportunities that I do not always notice. The kind of opportunities that happen all around me as I’m living life.
When I’m on my computer and my child comes and sits next to me asking, “Will you read this book to me?” That is an opportunity to engage and be fully present with my child. Sadly, I do not always take it, but when I do, I don’t ever regret it.
When I’m in a hurry to get somewhere and cannot be bothered by traffic lights or people and inevitably there is someone moving slower than I would like them to be in the crosswalk. What a beautiful opportunity to, slow down, take a breath, maybe even lift a hand in a friendly wave while smiling and thank God that I have a car to drive and am capable of doing so many things that bring me happiness.
When a friend stops me in the store with an obvious burden that needs to be heard and I am in a hurry to get in and get out. I can stop what I’m doing and listen. I can be genuine and kind without being there for an hour. This is a great opportunity to show through my actions how important relationships are.
When someone lets me go ahead of them and the long line of cars behind them in the drive-thru at Starbucks, it provides an excellent opportunity to pay for their coffee and ask the Barista to tell them, “Thank you! Happy Thursday!” (or whatever day it is.)
How many opportunities do I come across throughout my day to be generous, compassionate, attentive, forgiving, accepting, encouraging, supportive, present, loving and soothing? (just to name a few.) I don’t want to miss those.
Many opportunities are just as important for the provider as for the receiver.
STOP
Related posts by beautiful and talented bloggers:
Opportunity: Leanne Penny
You’ll Find Me in the Closet
Beautiful Things: Five Minute Friday
Uh, You Better Answer That. (Five minute Friday)
Opportunity: Always Alleluia
A constant pursuit: fmf (opportunity)
Pruning Princesses: The Opportunities we give our kids
In the Tangles: Five Minute Friday – Opportunity has a fat backside
Reading List: Five Minute Friday
Even A Girl Like Me 
Joy~ Thank you so much for linking to my blog. What a blessing! I love this reminder to look for the opportunities rywhere to share the kindness and love of Christ. Bless you, my friend.
Thanks for the pingback darlin! And thanks so much for the reminder to slow down and watch for those lil Jesus opportunities 🙂
Yes! Oh those precious Jesus opportunities. They are always around me. May I open my eyes wider as to not miss even one 😉
Good post. Especially the ones about slowing down when I’m in a hurry. I’ve been thinking a lot lately of how often I’m saying, “Hurry up kids! Let’s go! Faster!” And how annoying that is! 🙂
And thanks for visiting my blog too. (I like your 1 out of 100 note too!)
Janice! Thank you for reading! I have been compared to the tasmanian devil! NOT a compliment! I’m trying to slow down and in turn promote a less chaotic environment for my little ones 🙂
I wonder if your take on opportunity is kind of like the effort to be fully present. To truly listen. To truly pay attention. To not focus on the urgent. Good reminders.
My biggest struggle is being fully present! It’s difficult for me to not be mentally somewhere else. I want to be present. I want to be still and know that God is able and in control. Thank you for reading and encouraging!
I love your take on this prompt! My mind went down a similar path, but I like yours better :). How many times do I miss the opportunities to be more like Jesus? I’m not sure, but if I had to guess I’d say I miss a whole lot more than I take. And oh, how I don’t want to miss them! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed reading them! Smiles –
Thank you so much, Amy!
I miss so many opportunities. Too many. I want to do better!
Thanks for reading and especially for commenting.
Blessings!