Opportunity Knocks

Before I start today I just have to say it- HOW 'BOUT THEM RAYS!!!!!  :)


My Dad (now deceased) has two younger brothers, Dick and Gary.  My uncles both grew up to become professional musicians.  Both are bass players.  Gary has spent his entire life playing in unknown bands, spending countless nights playing in small clubs and bars.  Dick played in the U.S. Navy Band, then was offered a gig in Las Vegas back in the 1960s.  He never left.  He played for the hotel chain that included such historic Vegas spots as The Sahara and The Sands. Over the years he played behind pretty much every Vegas legend, from Elvis and Sinatra (both of whom he liked) to Wayne Newton (not so much).  He had an amazing career.  And if you ask my Uncle Dick why he made it, he'll tell you quickly that is was simply because he got an opportunity.  He'll also tell you that my Uncle Gary is a better bass player.  But for Gary, opportunity never knocked.


Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are both quarterbacks who entered the NFL last season, and the experts had many questions about both of them.  Both had been college superstars.  Both are men of great faith.  And both had played in college offenses that often do not translate well to the pros.  Despite these doubts, both were high draft picks.  Colt is now playing for the Cleveland Browns; Timmy T is riding the bench in Denver.  All of the reasons people doubt Tebow will make it as a pro- bad decisions, poor accuracy, too slow getting rid of the the ball- are problems MeCoy displayed this past Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.  But he brought his team from behind to win the game, just as Tebow did late last season when given a chance with the Broncos.  Both of these men are proven winners and leaders, on and off the football field.  This season, experts have been quick to laud McCoy and condemn Tebow, but the truth is this- Colt McCoy is simply Tim Tebow with an opportunity.  And my personal opinion is I wouldn't bet against either of them.


Opportunities are often difficult to come by.  We are blessed to get one; a second one is rare indeed.  And that is why those of us who are followers of Jesus must not pass up opportunities to share his love with the people we encounter each day.  We are here to be distributors of his love, and when we miss opportunities to share Jesus with individuals we meet, we never know when we will get another one.  Today (and everyday!) make it a point to seek out opportunities to love in the name of Jesus.  Care for a child or an elderly friend.  Help a neighbor.  Forgive an old friend or family member.  Opportunity will knock today.  Are you ready to answer?


Because of Jesus,