Making the Most

Babies are incredibly powerful. They cause grandparents to travel hundreds of miles -- sometimes in back to back trips -- to visit them. They cause family and friends who otherwise might not travel hundreds of miles to visit to do so. But there's another kind of power that babies hold; a power dealing with individuals not known by their parents. They cause neighbors whom you have never met to quickly become friends. They cause little girls one sees while on an evening walk to ask if they can see your baby. This power possessed by babies has become evident to me in the last four weeks as Ezekiel has given us opportunity to speak to individuals we may otherwise not.

Often times when we're stopped by strangers we meet on the walking path, in the grocery store, or even by our own neighbors who want to admire Ezekiel, conversation quickly ensues. Questions about how old Zeke is, how much he weighed, how well he sleeps at night. And also stories: stories of these individuals own children and experiences; wisdom and advice that worked when their now-grown kids were wee things.

Last week, after being stopped by two ladies in the grocery store, I was convicted to take all these opportunities we've been given and use them for the glory of the Lord. To use those conversations as springboards to begin relationships or to use that exact moment to share the love of Jesus with those who have stopped to ask about Ezekiel.

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Conduct yourselves with wisdom towards outsiders, making the most of every opportunity." - Colossians 3:17, 4:5

Being convicted is one thing. Putting into practice is another. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for me to let the conversations stay focused on the little tyke in the car seat. I pray that the Lord would give me words to speak as these opportunities present themselves and that I would be faithful with the time and opportunities He places before me.

How are you going to use the opportunities the Lord gives you for His glory? May we all be faithful, not wasting even one chance to point others to our wonderful Savior!