Tuesday Tip: Seize The Moment

Some people are content to sit and watch.  Not my 4-year-old Abby.  She wants to be in on the action.

This year, during our annual 4th of July parade, she joined in.  I’m not talking about clapping her hands, singing at the top of her lungs, or catching handfuls of candy.  She did that too.

What am I talking about?  Well, when the opportunity presented itself, she seized the moment.  She hopped on a float and left her seat on the sidelines.  In a matter of seconds, she went from watching the show to performing in the show.  She went from sitting on the sidelines to playing in the game.

I love how Abby takes life by storm.  Sure, she’s a handful, but she teaches me to live every breath to its fullest.  To be ready to jump in at a moment’s notice.

The evening before the parade, she said to me, “Mom, can I be in the parade this year?  Margaret’s going to be in the parade.”

It wasn’t in the plans, so I said no.  “Maybe next year.” 

But she was determined.  I’m going to be in that parade tomorrow.  I’m going to join Margaret.

So, when Margaret passed us by, Abby yelled, waved, and jumped in.  She had to think quickly and act quickly.  She didn’t have time to change her mind or look back.  She had to be ready.

Some of us need to be more like Abby.  We need to be ready.  We need to jump in.  We need to make up our minds in advance, so when the opportunity presents itself, we can take action. 

I’ve also learned that there are seasons of life.  There are times when we have to wait and watch the parade.  There are other seasons when we have to focus on getting ready.  And yes, there are windows of opportunity when it’s time to jump in. 

What about you?  Are you watching the parade?  Are you getting read to join in?  Or, have you jumped in with both feet?

Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  2 Timothy 4:2b (NLT)