His concentration was so intense and focused he did not even notice my approach.  Little by little I tiptoed from the edge of the highway to the corner of an old barn.  I watched as something drew his attention in the grass below his perch in the tree.  I observe my feathered friend slowly tilt his head up and down and lean forward as if to get a better look at something invisible to me moving in the weeds. 

        In one fluid movement his wings spread to his side and he pushes away from the tree.  And before I could press the shutter on my camera he dove into the tall grass and struck something swift and hard.  He entered the brush like a bullet and seconds later he emerges carrying what looked like a mouse or small snake in a deadly embrace.  After a dozen flaps of his powerful wings he disappears into the forest with his helpless prey.  I could not believe the swiftness by which the great hawk seized his opportunity to provide dinner for his family.

        Alone I stand in the silence amazed at the spectacle I had just witnessed.  The great struggle between life and death had just taken my breathe away.  Survival of the fittest is nature’s way of providing food for its creatures.  Luck or chance plays no role here; preparation, determination and living each day to its fullest provide the only difference between eating well and being eaten.  The hawk feasted this evening because he was prepared to quickly seize the furry opportunity that presented itself to him.  Standing in the cool autumn air I realized the importance of preparation and opportunity.

        Opportunity typically favors those who have paid the price of preparation.  We each have dreams, aspirations and ambitions.  What is the best way to reach your goals?  Success in the future is only achieved by taking a firm grip on the present and living today to its fullest.  The price of mastery in any field is thorough preparation and grabbing every opportunity that presents itself to exercise your gifts.  Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievement.  Let us be watchful and attentive to the needs of those around us and seek opportunities to serve.  Opportunities to be kind and helpful abound but are seldom labeled so be alert and observant.  Happiness is a choice; choose to seize your opportunity to help someone.

Something to think about:

• The future belongs to those who prepare for it.

• The proper time to do the proper thing is before you have to do it.

• The preparation for tomorrow is the right use for this day.

• Travel in every place as if you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an opportunity of doing a kindness, speaking an encouraging word, or making a friend.

• An obstacle is often an unrecognized opportunity.

• When opportunity knocks at the door, most people are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.

• The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are.

Thankful for the doors of opportunity and the friends who oil the hinges.
Rickey Moore