our daily bread

[Dexu Xia]

Stepping Into Opportunity
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
Like lots of people, I struggle to get enough exercise. So I recently got something to motivate myself to move: a pedometer that counts steps. It’s a simple thing. But it’s amazing how much difference this gadget makes in my motivation. Instead of grumbling when I have to get off the couch, I see it as an opportunity to get a few more steps. Mundane tasks, like getting one of my kids a cup of water, become opportunities that help me work toward a larger goal. In that sense, my pedometer has changed my perspective and my motivation. Now I look to get extra steps in whenever possible.
I wonder if our Christian life isn’t a bit like that. There are opportunities to love and serve and interact with people every day, as Paul exhorts in Colossians 4:5. But am I always aware of those moments? Am I paying attention to opportunities to be an encourager in seemingly mundane interactions? God is at work in the lives of every person I relate to, from my family and coworkers to a clerk at the grocery store. Each interaction offers a chance for me to pay attention to what God might be doing—even if it’s something as seemingly “small” as kindly asking a server at a restaurant how she’s doing.
Who knows how God might work in those moments when we’re alert to the opportunities He sends our way.
Lord, there are so many opportunities to love, listen, and serve those around us each day. Please help us to become people who notice the needs of others.
Take every opportunity to serve someone.
把握机会
你们要把握时机，用智慧与外人交往。-歌罗西书4章5节，-新译本
我跟许多人一样，总是运动量不足。所以最近我买了一个计步器，来激励自己多运动。虽然这是个不起眼的物品，但却意外地带给我极大的动力。需要起身离开沙发的时候，我不再抱怨，反倒觉得又有个机会能多走几步。在生活中的小事，像给孩子拿杯水，也让我有机会再多走几步路。就这样，计步器改变了我的观念，提高了我的动力，现在我总是尽量把握机会多走几步路。
这不禁让我想到，基督徒的生活似乎也是如此。在歌罗西书4章5节，保罗劝勉我们，每天都要把握时机服事人，与人交往。但我是否注意到这样的机会呢？在与人平常的交往谈话中，我是否抓住机会带给人安慰和鼓励呢？在我生活中遇到的每一个人，无论是家人、同事，或生鲜超市的店员，上帝都会在他们身上动工。每次与人互动，都让我有机会去留意上帝将如何动工。即使在餐厅亲切地问候一位服务生，如此微不足道的举动，也将是一个机会。
当我们仔细把握上帝所给的每一个机会，或许上帝会藉此成就我们意想不到的事情。
主啊，我们每天都有许多机会能去爱、
去服事，去倾听别人的心声。
求祢帮助我们能常常留心他人的需要。
把握机会服事他人