When I was a young girl in elementary school, I had a shy personality, yet I always felt like there was something big on the inside of me. I was a dreamer with a vivid imagination. When it came time for the fifth-grade school play, I really wanted the lead role; however, I didn’t step up to make my teacher aware of it. The day came for the teacher to announce who would play the lead, and of course, she didn’t pick me, the shy girl; instead, she picked one of my classmates. Naturally, I was disappointed, but even back then I was filled with hope and imagined that somehow that little girl wouldn’t be able to fulfill her role. Perhaps she would have to go out of town with her family, and there I would be, standing in the wings when my “big moment” came! The teacher would have to pick me after all. Yes, in my mind, I dreamed of getting the big part. Although it never happened, I rehearsed that scenario over and over in my mind, wishing I could play the lead.
Years later I realized that although I had been dreaming about playing the lead, I didn’t take action. I didn’t rehearse the lines or memorize the scenes. I didn’t stay after school for the voluntary practices. Sure, I desired to play the role, but I certainly wasn’t preparing for it. Had the teacher called on me, I wouldn’t have been ready to walk through that door of opportunity because I hadn’t put action behind my dreams. Being filled with hope and expectation is a great place to start, but it’s also a poor place to stop.
How often do we “sit in the wings” of life, wishing we were doing more, believing that we have more in us, waiting for our big moment? Yet, if opportunity were to knock on our door, we might not even be ready. If you are really believing and expecting for big things to happen, you have to put action behind your faith and live your life ready to make the most of every opportunity. I’ve heard it said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. That’s why it is important to use and develop your gifts and talents so when opportunity presents itself, you will have the confidence to walk through that open door.
Remember, life is lived one day at a time, and the way to prepare for tomorrow is to live at your very best today. Whether you want to further your career or change some bad habits, if you’ll do what you know to do today, God will help you get to where you need to be tomorrow. Every day lived well is one day closer to accomplishing your dreams. Start using what you have and doing what you know to do, and God will open the door to new opportunity.
Victoria Osteen
