Opportunities

I read a story the other day about Reverend Edgar Tufts, the founder of Lees-McRae College and his unique desire to make the most of every opportunity.  His premise was that no where in the Bible did Jesus take a vacation.  I have thought about that lots and have even made decisions that have been in tune with that philosophy.  For example, I was asked to show up and say a prayer for a group of cyclists as they began a 62 mile ride through the scenic highways of our county.  I did not hesitate to think of this as an opportunity to somehow to share God's love with perhaps at least one person that needed some encouragement.  The whole time in planning and attending this event, I kept thinking of the words of Reverend Tufts and the story that was shared.  However, as I am sitting now on my deck, listening to the sounds of nature, watching the birds of all shapes and sizes, hearing the squirrels jump from limb to limb, I am reminded that Jesus did withdraw from time to time to recharge His spiritual batteries.  He went to the mountains and to the beach. There seems to be a balance there that we often forget.  Yes, we need to seize every opportunity to share the love of Christ in all we do but yet at the same time we need to seize those precious moments to refuel, gain more insight, and allow ourselves to become closer aligned with what God desires, all the time seizing the opportunities that have been placed before us.  In order to do this, we have to intentionally schedule those times to allow for renewal and refreshment so that when other opportunities arise, the overflow can say help us be ready and say yes and we are equipped to handle that which comes our way.  Yes, this needs to happen.  This has to happen.  I think I will go to my calendar now and intentionally schedule some time.