What Would You Do with a Chance?

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When was the last time you had a chance?  What even comes to mind when asked? Was it a chance to travel, a chance to see, a chance to marvel, or a chance to give the keynote speech?  Was it a chance to win, a chance to grow, or a chance at a sneak peek? What did you do with your chance? Did you take it, or did you waver? Did you do it, or did you pass?  What will you do the next time you have a chance?

I recently read the book, What Do You Do with a Chance, by Kobi Yamada. The book presents a chance as an intriguing paper figure flying in the air, close enough to reach out and grab. The child in the book wants to grab hold, but for various reasons doesn’t. He feels defeated, he feels guilty, he feels regret. He tries to build up the courage to grab the chance the next time it presents--if it presents. He thinks on how taking the chance will change his life, he is excited and hopeful, but still wonders if the chance will present itself again. ​

I thought of several different things as I read this little book, chances I would like to have, and truly, the book helped me to begin to ready my mind and my spirit if the chances I pray about ever present.  The author is right, sometimes chances come when we least expect them and we are not ready. Our fears of the unknown cause us to turn away, then we feel regret and ask ourselves what-if for days on end.  As I look towards the start of 2019, I am preparing to take my chance.  I say, “my chance,” as if there will only be one, but really there will be more.  If the Lord doesn’t call me home, there will be at least 365 chances in 2019.

Think of a chance as a blessing.  It can be the opportunity to be blessed, but it can also be the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.   We can selfishly think of all the blessings and opportunities we want to come our way, but I would like to use this post to encourage us to think of ways we can be a blessing in 2019.  Who have you needed to visit; who needs to receive a letter from you? Who do you owe an apology? Who needs your prayers? Who should you invite to church? Who needs a hug? Who needs your encouragement?  What organization needs your donation? What organization needs your volunteer hours? Who needs your time and attention? 2019 offers us 365 chances to be a blessing. Will you take those chances?

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very careful, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Everyday we see evidence of evil days on the 6pm news.  SInce we don’t know how many days we have, but we do know that our days are numbered (Psalm 90:12), we must make the most of our opportunities -our chances- when they present.  This verse can be interpreted as both the chances that come for our benefit, and also the chances we have to be a blessing to someone else. Along with every chance is a choice.  “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  (1 Corinthians 10:31) Choose your chances wisely in 2019.



Thank you for reading!
Please forward this post to someone today!
​Kim

Copyright 2018 by Kimberly Griffith Massey