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Scripture for the day: Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie. 4 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
Thought for the day: I wonder how many things don’t get done because “the time’s not right.” I wonder how many discoveries were either not made or were delayed for years because “the conditions just weren’t right to take that step.” I wonder how many opportunities have been missed because when they knocked at our doors, we didn’t recognize them (by the way, I’m convinced many of us don’t recognize opportunity because it shows up dressed in over-alls and looking suspiciously like work). Now I’m not advocating that we just run with the first idea that comes into our heads – they’re not all worthwhile – but I do think much is missed because we concentrate too much on what we lack in resources rather than what is available to us. Let me give you an example. An old poem by Richard Armour makes a good point:
The bride, white of hair, is stooped over her cane
Her faltering footsteps need guiding.
While down the church aisle, with wan toothless smile,
The groom in a wheelchair comes riding.
And who is this elderly couple you ask?
You'll find, when you've closely explored it,
That here is that rare, most conservative pair,
Who waited 'til they could afford it.
Are you ever afraid to take a risk? Afraid to commit because of an uncertain future? Afraid of failing? Not that anyone would wait an entire life before taking a chance on marriage, but do you tend to wait until all possible risks are minimized before setting out in a new direction? Though caution and common sense are certainly important, sometimes a risk is called for. As the late William Arthur Ward wisely said:
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool – laugh anyway
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental – weep anyway.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement – reach out anyway.
To expose feelings is to risk revealing your true self – let others know how you feel anyway.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk rejection – dream anyway.
To love is to risk not being loved in return – love anyway.
To live is to risk dying – live anyway.
To hope is to risk disappointment – hope anyway.
To try is to risk failure – risk anyway.
Risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Those who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, and become nothing. They may avoid present suffering and sorrow, but they will not learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live. Chained by their fear, they are slaves who have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; and the realist adjusts the sails.
Is fear preventing you from taking a necessary risk today? God’s timing is perfect and we should wait for it. But we must never wait beyond it, regardless of the circumstances that may be against us.
Now go take on your world. - Bill