The supermarket was advertising fresh orange juice. Everything was on display, the ingredients were available for inspection, and the machine appeared clean and sanitised. The price, ~$3.50 per litre (overflowing quart), was likely cheaper than I could make juice at home. I considered the option as Life’s whispers took the scene to places I had not considered.
Life offers opportunities beyond my abilities and imagination. Before standing in front of the juicing machine, fruit, and price, I could not imagine producing a litre of fresh juice for this price point. Confronted by the opportunity’s reality, I mentally went through a checklist to see what I had missed. Even with repeated reviews and challenges to myself, I continued to struggle with an explanation. As I opened myself up to alternatives, I found places in my life for making a difference expanding as I accepted the limits of what I could do and opened the door to collaborating with others.
Responding to the question of what to do in the present does not always end with speaking and action. I did not need to do anything other than accept the offer to have fresh juice. It can seem too easy, and it may feel as if an obligation is being created. The idea of receiving without conditions contradicts a life of barter and reward. Divinity has a habit of reminding me that this is where I am. In contrast to all my good works putting me in a special place, “The place of righteousness – corrupt! I said to myself, “God will judge righteous and wicked.” There’s a right time for everything, every deed – and there’s no getting around it.” (Ecclesiastes 3.17)
Opportunities require faith. The one catch with the juice offer was the cleanliness of the oranges and the machine. I have faith that this has been taken care of with the caveat that it is an assumed and implied promise. I know I will not always have the perfect response. I have faith in my intent, willingness to learn, and calling to make a difference.
