The Opportune Hour

When a moment in time is available to take notice is a moment to capture in a bottle without haste. Nothing is ever trivial when a picture presents itself in a way that can bring you lasting joy and gratefulness. What does having an opportunity mean to you? When an opportunity calls, how is it perceived?

Concrete opportunities are good to appreciate. When one is offered a new job or given a promotion is a plus. It is nice to attend a close friend’s wedding in his native country you have never been to before. It is valuable to receive medical advice from a professional friend. To be able to attend free tennis lessons with your daughter at a day camp, be tendered to study abroad, or have other chances to take part, is great. These are all rewarding experiences.

All of the above matters in the grand scheme of things, but opportunities arise that can enrich our and others’ lives in a more profound and impactful way. An example is to have a motivational and inspiring conversation with a kid, one who would be glad you have shared time. Another is helping an elderly next door or strolling over to chat with a neighbor you rarely see around. When they found out about my accident, neighbors came together and completely converted my bathroom to be handicap accessible. One of my patients stopped by and installed a ramp inside the garage. My friend reconstructed the entire shelving system to navigate around. All this happened while I was hospitalized, medicated, and out of touch with reality. They showed incredible generosity due to an opportunity to help a friend in terrible distress. An action of this magnitude left me with such indescribable gratitude I will never forget. 

Participate in community outreach programs for the less fortunate such as volunteering to distribute Thanksgiving dinners to families, accepting donated toys and books for tots, or lending a hand at your local food banks. If so inclined, add to the list of giving away your unused items to local thrift stores, picking up trash at nearby parks, and improving hiking trail conditions you spent days enjoying. Any avenue to assist is worthwhile.

Aid a charitable organization that has a solid mission or is close to home, like spinal cord injury and cancer research, St Judes Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation, and Habitat For Humanity. We have supported Smile Train for quite some time. My wife was born with a cleft palate and was fortunate to have it repaired at a young age. There are children in impoverished countries who do not even have a chance to have it done. To have a child receive this corrective procedure would be monumental in bettering the quality of life and family. What gives meaning to one forwards comfort to others.

Wherever the source(s), opportunities abound around us and come in an array of shapes and colors. One can reach out to the greater life-fulfilling ones with a caring heart. Avoid the thought of not having enough time to bother – one can feasibly carve out some time and effort unconditionally to make a difference, no matter how big or small, monetary or not. Indeed, what good comes around goes around!