BY ED NOTE
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH Occupandi Temporis {Seize the Moment}
"I implore you to be prepared, take a moment to listen, to share, to be there. Show there is hope, an answer to a pressing question, a new day before us." There are times in our lives when we are faced with a choice of whether to help someone or not. Often that help comes in the form of a financial handout or the use of your cell phone but there are other times when the help that is requested is not so obvious. Often the request is subliminal, not voiced out right where you know what is needed. Times when the help comes from just being there, just listening, just having the compassion to stop long enough to allow the other to know that they are important and not ignored. When you come in contact with someone it is certain that moment affords you the opportunity to edify them or even be edified by them. This is a particularly important moment in both of your lives. I’m not a Bible thumper and have some broad understandings of the ‘question of our existence’ but it doesn’t stop the realization that there are plenty of truths within the writings of all the religious documents. So, let me quote an interesting truth from the King James Version, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” My understanding is there are no coincidences in personal contacts but countless opportunities. There may be something that you have to show, tell, or teach them. There may be something they have to show, tell, or teach you. Either way the encounter shows the time has come to see, hear, learn, and change lives. The change may be epiphanous or small but certainly always a timely one. Should you choose NOT to entertain this encounter both of you are missing this divine moment of growth and edification. My understanding of this truth has proven to change lives, others and my own. We can and do make a difference in the world with nothing more than a sincere compliment, a greeting or word of encouragement and understanding. I’m not saying that you should open your wallet to everyone that comes within
your circle of influence, but I am saying they came within your influential energy for cause and in perfect timing. You have an abundance, open your Spirit and ears for you may hear or lend a word that will have a major impact on lives for years to come. How can we take the chance of missing this? What if your smile, an encouraging word, or even just a passing complement could save, change the course of, or broaden a life and you chose not to take part of that moment? The extended impact of this choice may not be one you would knowingly accept, but nevertheless will happen. I met a young man on the Mississippi River Ferry boat many years ago as we both rode the same time every day. We began having exchanges of interests, thoughts, beliefs, and even some personal information not normally shared between strangers. I tell you this because one day this man called me and asked if I would “please come talk to him” at a time that was not our normal ferry ride time of talks. I told him that I was not going to be able to do so, I actually made up an excuse to not go, which I later regretted and never repeated. I did not go to talk with this young man as I never associated with him other than riding the ferry to and from work and just didn’t want to be bothered. I did not take into account that he obviously believed in me, trusted me, and counted on my time and advice. I later learned that he committed suicide that very day. My obvious thoughts ran the gauntlet of all the ways I was responsible for this suicide. I harbored the feeling that had I just met with him perhaps he would not have killed himself or would have at least gone on to live longer. Maybe have a better relationship with himself and canceled thoughts of taking his life as a viable option. Eventually, I accepted it was not my fault, he was troubled more deeply than what I knew. However, I dropped that ball! I spent a lot of unnecessary energy thinking of all the possible consequences of going or not going but mostly, I missed the opportunity; one I will not be able to recover. Although prior to this, I would often offer a compliment, helping hand, or a few dollars, after this revelation I am
