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Missed Opportunities

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short… For this world in its present form is passing away.    1 Corinthians 7:29 & 31
6 21 15 011     Lately, my boys have been obsessed with time when the numbers repeat.  They are convinced that whatever they wish for at that moment will come true.  Zack will scream across the house at top volume, “Mason, it’s 3:33.  Make a wish!”  If we pull into the garage at 4:42, they make me sit in the mini-van until the clock on the dashboard reads 4:44.  Then they’ll yell with excitement, “It’s 4:44.  Make a wish!”
     But watch out of they don’t notice the clock until 1:12 or 5:56.  It’s as if they’ve lost a best friend: they are distraught beyond words.  I try to explain that if they just wait, the numbers will align again, that there’s a new opportunity for wishes to be made every hour.  But they can’t be consoled.  Instead, they focus on the opportunity that they just missed.  

     Although I preach to my kids that they shouldn’t dwell on the past and what they have missed, I need to take a page from their book.  I coast too much on the belief that there will always be more time, another chance, more opportunities to be fully present to my kids, and everyone else in my world, after the “to do’s” are done.  But 1 Corinthians 7 says, “time is short.  For this world in its present form is passing away.”
     When I really stop and notice, my kids’ childhood is passing by at warp speed.  My relatives are getting older.  Couples are divorcing.  Friends are moving away.  If I don’t slow down now, live in the present moment, and savor today, I too am going to lament all my missed opportunities.
      Recently my well has been empty and the pages of my journal blank because I’ve been too busy to hear God’s whispers.  Missed opportunities.  My cousin’s grand niece Olivia was just diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of two.  When was the last time I rejoiced that my kids are healthy?  Missed opportunities.  My kids’ eyes are the color of the deep blue sky on a clear day.  When was the last time I basked in the beauty of either?  Missed opportunities.  My Uncle Bill is in the hospital right now with shortness of breath.  When was the last time I noticed my own breath, and gave thanks that my heart, eyes, and legs all work?  Missed opportunities.
     Friday was the last day of school for my kids.  Summer vacation officially starts tomorrow.  What better time to put all these lessons front and center and make this summer different.  I’m in charge of our calendar.  It’s for me to create the white space and down time for reading books on the back deck, taking walks with all the time in the world to listen, and laying on the grass finding animals in the clouds.  The time is now to be still under that deep blue expanse, and finally look deep into my kids’ eyes, taking heart pictures, capturing the moments.
     I’m posting this at 11:11.  Don’t miss the opportunity.  Quick.  Make a wish!
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If you could include Olivia and my Uncle Bill in your prayers I’d be very thankful.
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6 thoughts on “Missed Opportunities”

  2. Great post, Claire. I agree with it all. So happy to hear I’m not the only one slowing down. Sending love and prayers your way. oxo

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  3. I’m definitely trying to work on this!!! Thanks for redirecting me from all the distractions. I’m sorry to hear about your Uncle Bill…I thought he was getting better….I will continue to pray for him. I’m heading outside now to play basketball with the kids!

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