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Tag: opportunity

Drop Me a Line

Drop Me a Line

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Drop Me a Line--Warner Press card, note paper, pen, glassesI love when people drop me a line. Don’t you? A card or note out of the blue lifts my spirits.

Those few words tell me:

  • I’m thinking about you.
  • I love you.
  • Wish I could be with you.
  • I hope you are okay.

When we ask someone to drop us a line, we want a letter or note.

Although not as common an expression as in the past, we still use it. We write in lines, so the expression relates to those lines of words.

Of course, we use social media and texts most often now. However, those contacts cannot take the place of letters or cards, labors of love to hold and treasure.

When we drop someone a line, we take time for them.

We let them know we are thinking about them. They are:

  • Important to us
  • Valued by us
  • Worthy of our time

Stay in touch with one another.

We have no guarantee of future time together. Make the most of every moment.

  • Visit.
  • Write.
  • Call, text, or use social media.

Let people know you love them.

Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. (2 John 1:12 ESV).

 Thanks to Michele Weisman with Walking on Mustard Seeds for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Herding Cats

Herding Cats

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Herding Cats--Five kittens on grassJuggling several responsibilities feels like herding cats. Difficult at its best, it becomes impossible at its worst. That truth holds, whether we:

  • Teach an unruly class
  • Work on multiple assignments

We find ourselves spread too thin.

Herding cats usually refers to an unmanageable group of people.  

Trying to organize them becomes a nightmare. Think about:

  • Planning a wedding with people from several states
  • Getting a perfect picture of all those people

A few years ago, a commercial based on this expression became wildly popular. It compared the ease of herding cattle to the difficulty of herding cats.

Caring for small children frequently feels like herding cats.

Ask day care workers or preschool teachers. They organize school plays or end-of-year programs. Yet, children have others interests and ignore most directions.

Our most difficult work often becomes our most rewarding.

We make a greater difference than we realize.

  • Seemingly minor moments leave lasting impressions.
  • People hear and recall when we wonder if anyone heard or learned anything.

Keep working. Keep changing lives. Keep herding those cats.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion. Image by Jan Mallander from Pixabay.

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Outside the Box

Outside the Box

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Outside the Box--two wrapped giftsSometimes we find ourselves doing the same thing over and over again. We make no progress because we never change. When that happens, we need to think outside the box.

To think outside the box means to think beyond the usual limits.

We think, plan, and act:

  • In new ways
  • Outside the norm
  • In unusual directions
  • With imagination
  • Apart from tradition

We no longer box ourselves in with the same old patterns.

Routine no longer rules. We leave our fear of the unknown and move into new territory.

During Christmas, let’s also think outside the box.

Rather than focus on giving gifts in boxes or bags, let’s focus on gifts that last. We soon forget or throw away most of our wrapped presents. Yet, we remember for a lifetime such treasures as:

  • Kindness
  • Trustworthiness
  • Helping hands
  • Time together
  • Shared sorrow or joy
  • True friendship

Now is a great time to throw out the box. Let’s:

Merry Christmas!

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion.

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Jump the Gun

Jump the Gun

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Jump the Gun--runners at a starting line

In the past, a gun fired as a signal to start many sports contests. Runners occasionally became so excited, they would jump the gun. They started running before their races began.

To jump the gun means to begin before the right time.

Like athletes, we occasionally jump the gun in life. We act too quickly.

Rather than wait until everything is ready, we start too soon. Our actions are not:

  • Appropriate
  • Wise
  • Approved

Patience is hard to practice.

 Yet, we need it. Instead of getting in too big a hurry, we want to toe the mark. Better to follow the guidelines than ruin our chances of getting where we want to go.

When tempted to bypass the rules, let’s hold our horses.

Plan to go when it’s time to go but wait when it’s time to wait.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 NIV).

Thanks to Melissa Bright for the suggestion. Image by Vlad Vasnetsov from Pixabay.

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Turn the Tables

Turn the Tables

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Turn the Tables: chess board reflected underneath itI never played much chess. However, I played checkers with my dad and sister for years. When I was losing, I hoped to turn the tables. I wanted to win.

I never physically turned the tables to play from the opposite side. However, I tried to change the outcome of the game.

When we turn the tables, we reverse a situation.

It becomes the opposite of what it was. We see such major changes in:

  • Board games, like chess or checkers
  • Sports events
  • Job positions
  • Any competition

This expression also applies to major changes in plans.

Usually, the change helps the person who had an earlier disadvantage. Roles reverse. The shoe is on the other foot.

How did this expression begin?

According to The Free Dictionary, “Until the mid-18th century, tables was the usual name for the board game backgammon. Early instances of the use of this phrase, dating from the mid-17th century, made it clear that it comes from the practice of turning the board so that a player had to play what had previously been their opponent’s position.”

We find examples of turned tables throughout history.

 The Bible tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Eventually, Joseph achieved an important leadership position. When famine struck, Joseph’s brothers went to him for grain. They did not recognize him. After Joseph identified himself, his brothers feared for their lives.

Yet, Joseph did not act high and mighty when their roles changed. Instead, he forgave his brothers and provided for them.

Like Joseph, we have an opportunity to help others when the tables turn our way.

“‘But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:20-21 NIV).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott and Beckham Wilson for the suggestion. Image by Waldemar Bajda from Pixabay.

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Many Hands Make Light Work

Many Hands Make Light Work

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Many Hands Make Light Work-Children's hands stacked on top of one anotherDo you have little helpers who remind you that many hands make light work? Maybe your children or grandchildren? Perhaps a neighbor or friend?

Many of my favorite experiences involve children who helped me. Their help may have meant extra time or a bigger mess. Yet, what fun. They learned to work together and to help one another.

Many hands make light work means the more who work together, the easier and faster the work.

 Work may be on:

Many hands may not make the work easy as pie. It will make the work easier.

Many hands make light work applies to all areas of life.

  • Jobs
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Community
  • Church
  • Volunteer work

Take advantage of opportunities to lend a helping hand.

Supporting one another makes life better for everyone – the one who receives help plus the one who helps.

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion and to Karen Atwood for the photo.

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On the Ball

On the Ball

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On the Ball-girl softball player at batWhen I played softball, both my coach and my husband reminded me to keep my eye on the ball. Whether batting or playing third base, I needed to focus on the ball.

As my husband said, “You can’t hit it if you don’t see it.” He also reminded me, “You can’t throw it if you don’t catch it.”

On the ball means to stay alert.

It applies to all of life.

If I remain on the ball, I:

  • Pay attention
  • Learn all I can
  • Do what needs to be done

On the ball also means skillful.

I was never the best player. I tried hard and did my best. However, other players were more skillful. They knew how to get the ball rolling in a game.

They

  • Understood the game better
  • Moved faster
  • Had more success

Many times, when they swung for the fences, they hit a home run.

Nevertheless, I

  • Had a great time
  • Met new friends
  • Made many memories

God gives new opportunities to stay on the ball every day. Like everyone, I choose whether to accept them.

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion and to Richard Robards for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Brass Ring

Brass Ring

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Brass Ring-Ann Klotz on carousel horse reaching for brass ring My friend Ann learned to grab the brass ring while at the Flying Horses Carousel on Martha’s Vineyard.

For years, many merry-go-rounds placed a brass ring in hard to reach places. Riders who reached the ring received a free ride.

The brass ring represents success or the opportunity for success.

Success might mean:

  • Achievement
  • Profit
  • Rewards

People who grab the brass ring show great ambition.

They don’t wait for someone else to hand them an easy job. They take the steps necessary to get where they want to go.

To reach for or grab the brass ring usually involves hard work.

Like farmers, workers get up early to put their hands to the plow. Their efforts usually include:

  • Long hours
  • Willingness to grow and change
  • More work than most co-workers
  • Jobs no one else wants to do
  • Going back to the drawing board when they make mistakes

Success means different things to different people.

Some people thrive in the rat race of competition. Others desire a slower, quieter life. Whatever route a person takes, the key lies in finding one’s purpose in life.

“If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21 ESV).

Thanks to Joe and Ann Klotz for the suggestion and photo.

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Preaching to the Choir

Preaching to the Choir

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Preaching to the choir--church choir in robesPastors don’t need to convince believers to accept Jesus. That would be like preaching to the choir. Believers have already made that choice.

Preaching to the choir means trying to get people to accept an idea they already believe.

 Why try to convince them when they:

  • Share the same opinion
  • Support the same cause

Some people compare this to kicking an open door. The door stands open. No one needs to kick or knock on it.

  • Doctors don’t need to be told people get sick.
  • Teachers don’t need to be told children’s minds wander.
  • Judges don’t need to be told people break the law.

They already know that.

Preaching to the Choir--children and adultsTo spread a message, the messenger must go to those who:

  • Have not heard it
  • Do not believe it
  • Need to learn more about it

Preaching to the Choir--children's choirOf course, people enjoy sharing the same beliefs. Choir members sing and praise God with other believers. True worship makes them all ears to God’s message. It warms the cockles of their hearts.

However, they also take their message outside the church. They want to share it with people who have not heard.

“The master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled’” (Luke 14:23 ESV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion and to Campbellsville Baptist Church and Joan Tinnell for the photos.

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Slim Pickings

Slim Pickings

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Slim Pickings--empty store shelvesMany stores open early and close late on sale days. Early shoppers find several choices. Those who shop later in the day find slim pickings.

Slim pickings mean few choices.

Not much is left after others take what they want. This applies to more than shopping. We often find slim pickings:

  • At the end of a food line
  • Near the end of a gardening season

Slim pickings for one person look like treasures for others.

  • A small amount of food can save a starving person.
  • One coat warms a person in freezing weather.

What treasures can we offer others who survive on slim pickings?

Perhaps a good New Year’s resolution would be to share from our wealth.

  • Buy extra at the grocery to feed the hungry.
  • Give away some of our clothes and shoes.
  • Spend less on self and donate the money saved.

Why not make giving a lifestyle? We can’t take it with us when we die. Why not put it to good use while we live. Let’s give of our wealth. Let’s give of ourselves.

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9 NIV).

Thanks to Ruby Colvin for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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