Opportunities

There were days when the wind seemed relentless blowing from the northwest. A small five inch piece of siding lost its grip and a tiny space under the eaves became loosened just enough for a mating grackle to wedge her way into the waiting space. Debris from the compost pile littering the top of the air conditioning condenser was the first clue that something out of the ordinary was transpiring. Peering out of the kitchen window, we witnessed the grackle fly toward the space with dried grass sprigs as she builds her nest soon to be host to multiple eggs. A faulty flashing presented the opportunity for nature’s child to host an incubator for a new generation. How often do we see what appears to be a problem when someone else has seen it as an opportunity? It is in challenges that we learn the meaning of victory. It is in hardships that we learn perseverance. Sometimes it is less important to focus on what we see and more important to understand how we see it. The Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Thessalonica to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Note the instruction is not to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. May our eyes be opened to the possibilities that lie before us as we step in faith toward each new day!