It’s Time for Opportunities
It is one of those autumns where I wonder where the days went. How can we already be into December? I find it even harder to get my mind in gear for December activities as we don’t yet have any snow – a rarity in my prairie area.
As I sit and consider what I need to do with my students for the last three weeks before Christmas break my head is in a whirl. My calendar is already filled with numerous events and I still have curriculum to teach as well. It is a juggling act to balance all that needs to be done. Christmas celebrations are important; but so is teaching math etc.
The same dilemma occurs in my personal life. How do I manage all the outside commitments I have with all the Christmas preparations I need to make? How do I have time to nourish my spiritual well-being as well as attend to all the demands on my days? How do I spend quality time with my family when everyone seems to be in a rush?
No matter what our schedules, God is asking the same of us:
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)
Daily we have opportunities to live our lives for Christ. It does not have to be with big splashy presentations or gigantic acts. Frequently, we do the most ministry by simple things – conversations with those around us, how we handle ourselves in particular situations, choices we make with our time.
At this time of year, it is increasingly easy to get pulled into worldly pursuits. The better choice is to concentrate on those things that bring eternal difference. There are so many in our sphere of influence who do not know the true meaning of Christmas. These people run around shopping, decorating, baking, etc. with no real purpose other than to get through the season. What immense hope we can offer them if we are willing to share about Jesus who was not just any baby, but our Saviour.
We have the opportunity to share great hope at this time of year. Our world is deeply troubled with things like natural disasters, wars, famines, financial challenges, and political upheaval. It is a time to concentrate on those things that make an eternal difference instead.
How do we be an instrument of hope in these hectic weeks? Here are a few ideas:
- Make wise choices and manage your time in a way that honours God.
- Share with those around you that worship and personal devotions are a part of how you use your time and the hope and peace that brings to your life.
- Keep your mind on things of eternal value and share those thoughts with those around you.
- Remember your priorities and enforce them. Put God and family first before all the to dos that the Christmas season can bring.
- Take time to breathe and stop in your busy days. Do things that rest, relax, and restore you. Doing this will be reflected in how you treat others.
As we proceed through this Advent season may we hold onto the great hope we have in Jesus. His humble birth reminds us that He became one of us. Jesus walked with us and talked with us and showed us the way to life everlasting. May we follow His example and look for opportunities to share His love with those we meet. Hold onto Him and His Word.
Enter your email below and don’t miss out on the next blog posts.
We post weekly – Offering hope and encouragement.
