Stop the World

In the Broadway musical, “STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF,” actor Anthony Newley sang a powerful song: “Once in a Lifetime.” It contains these poignant words: “This is my moment… I’m gonna do great things.”

Sadly, we must confess that we know the empty feeling of “missing our moment,” letting the moment pass. All of us, because of fear or timidity, or insecurity, have let special opportunities, special moments slip by us. Psychologists tell us that if we do not act every time we have this kind of feeling, we are less likely to act later when other such moments present themselves. Each time we fail to act, we become more hardened, more desensitized, more emotionally paralyzed. We trick ourselves by substituting emotion for action, by thinking that just because we felt it, it has been cared for.

How many letters never have been written?
How many phone calls have never been made?
How many compliments have been left unsaid?
How many “I’m sorrys” remain unspoken?
How many “Thank yous” have never been said?
How many “I love yous” are still unexpressed?
How many commitments are still not made?
because we missed our moment!

If there is an emptiness, a void, a vacuum, a hunger in your life, remember: Jesus offers you life. Don’t miss this moment! If there’s any kindness or love you can show, show it now. Seize the moment! Live today fully and make it a masterpiece!

Let us pray: God of love, we know you are always with us and you love us. How patiently you tutor us! Straighten the backbone of our beliefs, strengthen our resolve, move us to action, so that the roots of faith will reach the center of our hearts. Grant us peace that comes from your love…that whether we walk through fields of flowers or stumble along streets of sadness, we will walk beside you. Be close today to those who are experiencing grief or loneliness. Surround the men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan with your wraparound love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.