Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (NLT)

For the new year, people typically make resolutions focusing on changes and plans that they want to implement in their lives. I'd like to adopt the expression carpe diem, Latin for "seize the day" or "make the most of the present time". I want to resolve, with God's help, to make better use of the time given to me this coming year.

Most days during the busy month of December, first thing in the morning, it seemed as though I were rushing off to be somewhere or to do something. In the cold and dark, going out seemed even more difficult than usual. So, when I finally had a day at home to myself, I was happy and rejoiced in it. I'm a morning person, so in the early hours, my mind is clear and focused, and I do my best work. After reading my Bible and talking to the Lord, I have to make a choice about the most important priority for that day and get right down to it. I know that writing for the Lord is something that I'm supposed to be doing, so mornings are when I like to sit down at the computer. By afternoon, my energy starts to wane, and I get sleepy. The window of opportunity that the morning hours give is for me a clear picture of the expression carpe diem.

Colossians 4:5 – Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)

Just as I like to make the most of my morning hours, so we all need to make the most of the opportunities that God gives to us. For a few brief months when my three boys were young, I would drive them to school in the next town. Construction took place along one stretch of the highway, and the same flag person would be at that spot every day stopping us for a few minutes. One day, as I was thinking about her, I began to pray for her. As soon as I did, I got the thought, Give her a tract. Now, that is something that I had never done before, and I tried to suppress the thought. Okay, I can get one at the church, I conceded, but the next day, I forgot. Then, I found one written by Billy Graham, and it was about highways! Summoning my courage, I gave the tract to the flag person. "Thank you!" she said with a smile. A few days later, she was gone, and I never saw her again. I will never know this side of eternity what the result of my action was, but that's not what matters.

Like I did at that moment, will you seize the day and make the most of the opportunities that God puts in front of you?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You are sovereign over our days. Help us to make the most of our time and of every opportunity that You give us for doing good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.