A farmer has to make hay while the sun shines.

His work depends on the weather.

• If rain delays cutting the hay, it may be tough and have little food value.
• Rainfall after hay is cut, but before it’s raked and baled, requires extra work to remove the moisture.
• If the rain lasts too long, an entire crop could be lost.
• Without hay for their livestock, farmers have to buy feed or sell their animals.

How does make hay while the sun shines apply to non-farmers?

We can spend days or years planning what we want to do. However, we have only one certain way to achieve our goals: If the circumstances are right, act now.

Several clichés explain this particular farming expression:

• Make the most of your opportunities.
• We have no guarantee of tomorrow.
• There’s no time like the present.

Let’s act while we have the opportunity.

Let’s make hay while the sun shines! If we wait, we may lose our chance forever.

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4 NIV).

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.