Thomas Whitley

Opportunity

Tonight, the discussion that I will be leading my youth in has as its central image the Opportunity Statue (pictured above). This statue has long, flowing hair in front of its face, but is completely bald in the back. It is an odd picture, to be sure, but it does serve as a good teaching too…for me anyway. The idea that I get from this statue is the fleeting nature of opportunity. We must seize it when we can and not hesitate. The Romans said it like this: Carpe Diem. Seize the day. There is no ambiguity.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, O Lord, that we may apply our hearts with wisdom.”

Since Dr. Goodman’s death last week (press release can be found here, my thoughts/reflections can be found here), I have thought about a lot of things. In all of those thoughts, feelings, emotions, reactions I kind of resolved to myself that I was going to be a better student, using my time more wisely. The lesson that I am teaching tonight hits me in that spot again.

Dr. Goodman made the most of the time he had. He wisely had put off working hard at writing books to spend more time with his family. How can I make the most of the time I have?

Today I pray with the Psalmist.

Teach me to number my days, O Lord, that I may apply my heart with wisdom.