Everyday we come in contact with someone we are meant to bless or they are sent to bless us. These “Blessing opportunities” are assignments from God that open the door to abundance. Missing these opportunities can alter life itself.

I MAY HAVE MISSED A DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
The other day I walked into my favorite coffee shop and came face to face with an unexpected sign that knocked the wind out of me. The sign was a simple plea for donations…donations for the burial of a young man that worked at the shop on the weekends. He had just turned 19 a few weeks ago. Nineteen, and already broken from his difficult upbringing in a poor neighborhood.

He was viewed as an outsider in his “hood”, because of his vivid imagination, warm smile and “regular job.” He always smiled and approached me for our regular conversation about life. As I look back I am disappointed to admit that what I thought were “pep” talks and words of encouragement were nothing more than shallow conversations. I didn’t know his last name, his birthday, favorite color, hobbies, fears and definitely not his struggles.

I actually saw him the day before he took a gun and killed himself in a quest to make whatever was tormenting him stop! I was in a hurry so I spoke briefly and told him that we would have a conversation about college and the potential that I saw in him the next time we met. I can’t even remember where I was heading in such a hurry. Looking back I have to admit that wherever I was going was not important as life, his life or anyone else’s. I probably could not have saved him in a single conversation.

I WILL NEVER KNOW IF I COULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE
I do wonder that if we had more meaningful conversations would I have uncovered the burden stashed beneath the surface that was suffocating him. Maybe I could have put him in touch with my neighbor, the mental health director for the county. I will never know if I could have made a difference.

HOW WE ARE SPENDING OUR TIME IS NOT REALLY “FRUITFUL”
What I do know is that we are too busy today. Speeding through life missing the forest for the trees; missing the joy and peace around us. Having shallow interactions which begin with “How are you?” to people who don’t answer truthfully because they know most folks don’t care; won’t help; can’t help; and maybe even will judge. People are sleeping with others without knowing their favorite color, favorite movie, or middle name. Parents don’t have time to take a walk with the kids, watch a movie or God forbid, go to Chuckie Cheese.

The stark reality is that we have developed a selfish desire to hoard our time and share it only when we feel it’s convenient, or it benefits us. People spend hours talking on the phone or watching television, yet have no time to volunteer at our failing schools. We have no time, yet time is what is mostly needed to change our world. Even if organizations have money they can’t succeed without people taking the time to serve. The world is dying, people are suffering, and many of us are ‘too busy” to make a difference.

WHAT ARE WE SO BUSY DOING?
What are we so busy doing? Chasing dollars so we can buy bigger houses, nicer cars and finer clothes? Are we busy running from our Purpose and Assignments? Busy going to the next meeting or the mall? What would the world be like today if folks were too busy to march during the civil rights movement?

Our time is not solely our own. We are put on this earth with a specific assignment and a limited amount of time to accomplish that goal. We have to be about more than just enriching ourselves, and enjoying ourselves. Everyday we walk past, and look past someone that is in need of assistance. What is it going to take for you to stop and take a few moments to impact a life?

John Settles
http://www.soulinspired.com

John is the President of Soul Inspired Productions, a premier creator of inspirational content in various multimedia formats. By day John is an entrepreneur and consultant that works to build businesses that solve problems and meet needs. He is a passionate writer, blogger, strategist and leader. He prides himself on being a man of God who seeks to inspire others to realize their potential. He is a dedicated father, husband, son and friend that loves people, challenges and life. E-mail is john@soulinspired.com and phone number is 888-350-4070.