An Opportunity Missed (03/28/2025)

We were on our way to the car. I wanted to get home. I had a ton of homework. But it seemed like every ten steps we had to stop and talk to someone else. I was showing my impatience. We passed through the doors of the high school and headed to the parking lot. “Do you have to talk to everyone?” I asked.

She didn’t answer immediately. We got into the car. My irritation broke out in words. “I swear, you’d talk to a post.” She laughed. “I must admit, I do have conversations at times with inanimate objects.”

“It’s not funny,” I said. “I have a ton of homework and you’re acting like we have all the time in the world.”

“I just don’t want to miss an opportunity” she said to me seriously.

“An opportunity for what?” I asked.

“An opportunity to grow a friendship, to begin a new one, to help someone.”

We drove the rest of the way home in silence. I stormed into the house and went to my room. I got my homework done. Truth is, it never really was an issue, and I knew it. And I pondered that day’s events and conversation for some time. She was my older sister. She was everything I wished I could be: outgoing, accomplished, popular, the student council president. And eventually we became not only sisters but best friends. And I continued to learn from her. But this shared experience is one that truly, through the power of the Spirit, transformed me. This was how I learned to be open to the LORD by being open to others.

And I think my family believes that I would talk to a post. Truth is, I have had some interesting conversations with inanimate objects. Just this week I spoke to my computer when it froze. And I speak to everyone I see, and I try to truly see them. And I am sometimes running later than I’d hoped, but I figure the creator of time will make sure I have enough. I just don’t want to miss an opportunity.

As we journey in faith, hope and love, let us take the time to seize the opportunities that come our way to encounter others on “the Way.” Let us open ourselves to the wonders of life in Christ that are at times made most apparent through the words, presence and acts of another. Let us be approachable for the weary pilgrims, for those looking for a sign of affirmation or encouragement. We will only travel this way once. Let’s not miss any opportunities.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.