Every moment is pregnant with opportunity. Someone is receptive and responsive right now, but may not be later. A teachable moment exists with someone now. Circumstances will change later, and the opportunity will vanish as quickly as a wave on the beach.

One of the greatest examples of the potential of the moment is Jesus' encounter with a woman at a well, recorded in John four. His intriguing appeal to provide her with living water opened the door to a candid discussion regarding her marital status (John 4.17-18), and true worship (verse 20-24). Her response and testimony to her village prefaced Jesus' remarks: "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.' " (John 4.35)

The seizable moment is now, not later. In this instant, eternity hangs in the balance. Life can change drastically, or end, in a heartbeat. 

The dilemma of life is that the siren sound of the urgent easily drowns out the true imperative. I've come to believe that one of the devil's most effective tools is the unimportant busyness that demands our attention, and fritters away our time and energy. Our modern frenetic lifestyle deflects us away from true introspection that would remind us that our priorities are askew. Seizable, life-changing moments with people slip away amidst the crush of life's demands.

Right now, who is on your mind or within your sphere of contact and influence? Whose ear do you have, who is eager to hear and respond? What circumstances right now provide the perfect setting for a life-changing conversation. 

Carpe diem. Seize the day. May we seize every God-given opportunity this day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012