Opportunities

Opportunities knock, but we have to recognize them before we are able to take advantage of them. Opportunities come in different ways - career, relationships, and money among others. How about the opportunity to do something good? Is this an opportunity we look for?

I was given such opportunity this afternoon. As I was standing in line to pick up some prescription medicine, I could not help hearing the conversation between the clerk and the old man ahead of me. The clerk scanned about 4 or 5 medicines for him and asked him for his co-payment. The old man motioned to the medicare card he handed to her but the clerk said she got that, but he still needed to pay a certain amount on top of what the card covered. The old man opened his wallet and told the clerk he did not have money - and they went through the same conversation about three times. Finally, the old man said he will come back. I avoided his eyes as he passed by me - my attempt to save him his pride.

The clerk called me, and after I paid for my prescriptions, I asked if I could pay for what the old man owed. She was surprised, gave me a big smile and asked if I was sure. I told her I was, and asked that she not mention anything to the old man when he returns, and just give him his medicines.

And so I paid, and on my way out, I saw the old man coming in with money in his hands. I did not wait to see what happened next. I headed for my car and as I drove away, I saw the old man come out with a little puzzled look on his face.

As for me, there was a gnawing sensation that was quite hard to describe. I stopped in the parking lot and closed my eyes and suddenly I was tearing up. It may have not mattered much to the old man, but it did to me. I was given an opportunity to give, and give I did. It may not be much, but it is seizing the moment and recognizing the opportunity, and hoping my eyes and my heart are always on the look out.

As the year comes to a close in a few hours, I think of all the blessings that have come my way. I think of all the people who have come and gone in my life - those who enriched me with their presence and those who made my life better with their absence. I think of all the pains - of the body and of the heart - that remind me of my own weaknesses and imperfections - of my dependence on the One who provides all - the One who gives and takes away - the One who generously provides opportunities, disguised in many ways, so we can get closer to Him through the creatures made in His likeness - and I give Him thanks.

2011 is knocking. I pray that we all seize the opportunities that are to come our way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!