“Opportunities multiply as they are seized” Sun Tzu
It’s January and we rejoice for the gift of another year of living that invites us to walk into newness with hope and confidence. And we give thanks.
Ephesians 5 :16 clarifies my focus for the year ahead: “make the most of every moment, recognising the urgency of using time wisely, as the world is filled with challenges”.
The text encourages me to seek God-given opportunities, aware that time is a precious resource.
So the key question is always: what is the opportunity in this moment. On reflection, I have narrowed my focus and ask – what are the opportunities when life is an uphill struggle? It is not easy to see them in such situations. But they are there! My prayer is to see the hidden gift in the pain, be more gentle with myself, more open to the help and support of my friends, respond in love and so use the pain and trauma to open the door to inner peace.
By exploring and becoming aware of the painful struggles of life, we step beyond our comfort zones and sharpen our awareness. In moments of challenge, we discover our true potential and resilience and enrich our understanding.
This new year, how can we make the most of the opportunities that come our way when we are overburdened by the trials, difficulties, harshness, negativity, criticism that come our way and respond firmly, justly, appropriately and lovingly?
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it; a challenge, meet it; a struggle, accept it; an adventure, dare it; a sorrow, overcome it; a tragedy, confront it; a promise, fulfil it.
Life is precious, do not destroy it.
Life is a gift, fight for it.
Mother Teresa
B.O’S