As We Have Opportunity

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone...  (Galatians 6:10)

Opportunity comes daily.  Opportunities are daily missed.

I am grateful for a wife who seeks opportunity to do good as we journey life together.  Last Sunday evening we were out to eat with other families the church and opportunity knocked.  Our waitress conversed with us openly about her three sons (ages 10, 5, and 2)...we get much kid talk as we take 14 kids to dinner most Sunday evenings!  Shelli made the observation that this woman was without a wedding ring and was working late on a Labor day weekend...so this is an opportunity to do good.  

Shelli proposes we go above the normal tip, and offer this young lady a few extra dollars to bless her day.  Instead of merely leaving the cash, we see an opportunity to connect with her personally as the restaurant is closing down.

Me - "Do you have any spiritual beliefs?"

Waitress - "Oh yes, it is God who is getting me by every day.  I am rehabbing from drug addiction and I believe God is the reason I am still going."

Me - "If I asked you who Jesus was to you...what would you say?"

Waitress - "He is my Lord and Savior!"

Me - "When did that happen?"

Waitress - "I was baptized when I was 7...but when I was 13 I really realized my need for Him.  That is when I was saved."

Me - "We have a few extra dollars we would like to bless you with tonight."

Waitress - "Thank you!  I am saving up to buy a car!  My boys were taken from me because of my drug addiction.  Now that I am clean, I've moved to Benton and am working to buy a car so that I can get my boys back into my life."

Shelli - "Can we pray for you right now?"

Waitress - "Yes!  That'd be great."

After encouraging her to jump in with a church (inviting her to Sharon) that could walk with her and encourage her in her journey, we took the kids and went home.

Sometimes the opportunity to do good gives others a chance to receive eternal life for the first time...sometimes the opportunity is to encourage the saints and experience the eternal life we've been given.

Opportunities come daily.  Opportunities are daily missed.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone...