Grasped Opportunities

A certain admiral in high command in the British navy is noted for his apt replies to questions. Noting the ribbons on his breast, he was once asked what they meant. His succinct reply was, “Grasped Opportunities.” They spoke of activity, courage, perseverance in his naval career.

There are such things as Lost Opportunities. We can all bewail these. We fear they are more numerous than “grasped opportunities.” There are opportunities all around us any day and every day. Shall they be labelled “grasped” or “lost”? Possibly one reason why many an opportunity has to be labelled “lost,” is because we lack courage. Another reason alas! is that we lack devotedness.

The opportunities are there, pressing upon us on every side, every day of our lives: may we have grace to seize them. We are exhorted, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Col 4:5).

Young Christians with their physical vigour have wonderful chances of “grasped opportunities.” Some serve the Lord in homelands, some in heathen lands, some in their own house, their next street. Our Lord said, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). The opportunities are not far off. They are within reach of our eyes. Never was there a day when it was more urgent that opportunities should be grasped.

A.J.P.