“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT)
In the New Year, people typically make resolutions focusing on changes and plans they want to implement in their lives. I’d like, instead, to use the expression carpe diem, Latin for “seize the day”, that is, “make the most of the present time”. I want to resolve, with God’s help, to make better use of the time given to me this year.
During the busy month of December, it seemed as though I were rushing off most days to be somewhere or do something first thing in the morning. In the cold and dark, going out seemed even more difficult than usual. So when I finally had a day at home to myself I was happy, and rejoiced in it. I’m a morning person, so my mind is clear and focused to do my best work in the early hours. After reading my Bible and talking to the Lord, I have to make a choice as to what the most important priority for that day is, and get right down to it. I know that writing for the Lord is something I’m supposed to be doing, so mornings are when I like to sit down at the computer. By afternoon, my energy starts to wane, and I get sleepy. The window of opportunity the morning hours give is for me a clear picture of the expression carpe diem.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 NIV)
We have to make the most of opportunities that are given to us, as I like to make the most of my morning hours. For a few brief months when my three boys were young, I would drive them to school to the next town. Construction took place along one stretch of highway, and the same flag person would be at that spot every day, when we would have to stop for a few minutes. One day, as I was thinking about her, I began to pray for her. As soon as I did, I got the thought: Give her a tract. Now, that is something I had never done before, and I tried to deny the thought. I can get one at the church, I thought, but the next day I forgot. Then I found one written by Billy Graham and it was about highways! Summoning my courage, I gave the tract to the flag person. “Thank you!” she said with a smile. A few days later she was gone, and I never saw her again. I’ll never know this side of eternity what the result of my action was, but that’s not what matters. At that moment I seized the day, and made the most of the opportunity God put in front of me. Will you do the same with the opportunities God puts before you?
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
