I returned from SE Asia on a Friday evening in October. My husband was working the night shift, so my oldest daughter, Candace, picked me up from the airport. We grabbed a quick bite to eat, stopped by to see my husband, and then headed home.

We chatted about my journey and then randomly, she stopped me and exclaimed, “Mom, something terrible happened while you were away!”

I was a little concerned to say the least. I figured if something had happened to anyone in my family, I would have heard about it before this point. My husband had already told me about a driver change in NASCAR that I wouldn’t be particularly happy with.

What news would possibly cause this type of reaction from her? So I asked. “What happened?”

“Andy Williams died!”

My eyes filled with tears. I was speechless. She probably shouldn’t have shared this news with me while I was driving.

I had the opportunity to see Andy Williams in concert while I was in college…okay so here’s that story.

I was a music major and was required to attend a certain amount of concerts throughout the year. My brother-in-law was the night manager for a parking garage near a downtown theater. Tickets were available to my brother-in-law, so I was able to go to concerts that I normally would not have.

I enjoyed the Andy Williams concert and grew to appreciate his music throughout my life. And of course, Andy Williams was linked with Christmas, so that made him much more appealing to me.

I always thought I would see Andy Williams in concert again, but it never happened. And now, it never will.

I missed it. The opportunity to see my favorite vocalist.

I wonder how many other opportunities I’ve missed. Opportunities that really mattered. Times when I could and should have shared the Gospel with someone. Times when I could have made a difference in someone’s life. Times when my words or actions may have brought someone to a different conclusion.

We learn from Scripture that we are to be ready for such opportunities. Paul shared words of encouragement to a fellow believer named Titus.  Paul showed Titus that we are to be ready to do something good when the opportunity arises. We find these words in this small book.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2 – NIV)

Paul shared this same idea with others as well. Take a look at these three passages.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 – NIV)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV)

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6 – NIV)

We cannot allow any opportunity to become missed opportunities. We are called to “make the most of every opportunity.”

If we have an opening to share God’s message, we must be ready. If we have an occasion for doing a good thing for someone, we must be ready. If the time arises for us to be anything for God, we must be ready.

So what do you say? No more missed opportunities?

And, according to Andy Williams, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year”[i] to begin sharing with others. If your community is like mine, there are Christmas trees in your church lobby, your local mall, or other businesses covered with names on tags.

Perhaps they are names of young children whose parents are unemployed. Maybe they are single parents who struggle month-to-month with regular bills. Or they could even be elderly folk in a nursing home.

Each of these tags represent someone who may not have a wonderful Christmas this year. Who may be lonely. Who just might need a little boost to get through this season.

Well here it is…your opportunity. Are you ready to do something? To make the most of every opportunity placed before you? Why not join in to make a difference in someone’s life?

I believe it’s time for us to be more observant. More alert to the situations around us. Let’s be mindful of the opportunities God is placing before. Then let’s be ready to spring into action.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna