Unwrapping Opportunities
"" by Shannon Perry
Last week I had the privilege of traveling to Hawaii. The island of Kauai, known as the "Garden Island," provided a much needed escape for my husband and I before the Christmas rush hit head on.
Upon arrival in Kauai, we were encouraged by many to visit the Waimea Canyon. Known as the "Grand Canyon" of the Pacific, this site is visited by thousands throughout the year. Taking other's advice, we signed up for the tour bus that shuttles visitors to the top of the canyon and anxiously awaited our day of adventure.
The morning of our scheduled departure, I jumped out of bed, put on my new Nike's, and strapped on my backpack. (I looked like I should be scaling the canyon instead of taking pictures of it). We hopped into the small shuttle bus and were quickly off for a great day of sight seeing.
The two hour bus ride began with beautiful scenery. Quietly staring out the window, I enjoyed the sights until my attention was stolen by a very unwanted imposter. Oh no. Not on a bus in front of all of these people! Horror began to grip me like a vice. The twists in the road became like a ride at a carnival. I was overwhelmingly nauseous. I tried not to think about it, but the more I tried, the more uneasy I became, and my desire to see the canyon was quickly overshadowed. I just wanted to get off the bus! Fortunately, I learned that the bus driver was feeling the same way as she pulled to the side of the road for a short break before continuing uphill.
As we arrived at the canyon, I jumped out of the bus like an excited child at Christmastime and ran up the stairs to the edge of the overlook. Immediately, I lost my breath. Not from running, but from the overwhelming view. Peering into the vastness that stretched before me, I saw the lines where God's fingers had surely designed the crevices of each mountainside. It looked as if He had taken His hands and gently swiped them over each area of the canyon. I stood in awe. As others walked back to the bus, I clung to the edge of the overlook. I knew I was in the presence of God Almighty, and suddenly time became nonexistent. I stared at the unending crevices in these mountains, knowing the hands that formed this beauty were the same small hands that once lay in a manger. The thought overwhelmed me, and I began thanking God for the incredible opportunity that had been given to me that day. I almost missed it, however. If I had gotten off the bus, I would have missed one of the greatest miracles I have ever witnessed.
Are you seizing opportunities during this busy holiday season or do you just long to "get off the bus?" Are you allowing God to "drive" you to special opportunities? Christmas is a beautiful reminder of those small hands that create miracles around us every day. We often miss them, however, due to distractions that cause us to feel "nauseous." Bills must be paid, cars must be fixed, shopping must be done, and the list goes on.
As Christians, God gives us the opportunity to see Him every day. Proverbs 8:17 says, "The Lord loves those who love Him, and those who seek Him early and diligently will find Him."
What opportunities is God putting in front of you today? Seize them, for they may not pass your way again. We must not get so caught up in the "rush" of the Christmas season that we fail to miss the gifts of opportunity that God has wrapped just for us. If you run into an old friend in the mall, take time to sit down and have some coffee and catch up. Do you see someone struggling to make ends meet? Give them what you may have spent grabbing a hamburger in the drive-through. Watch what God will do as you "diligently seek Him."
As we take our minds off the usual Christmas rush and place them on the gifts of opportunity that God has prepared, we can experience the true miracle of Christmas. Jesus came so that we may have the freedom to pursue opportunities, as well as the wisdom to recognize them through the power of the Holy Spirit. Watch for opportunities today. Seek them out. They are all around you!
May God bless you this Christmas and throughout the New Year. And don't forget-stay on the bus. You never know what miracle you may find waiting at the top!
Originally published December 15, 2009.
