Opportunity Fuels Desire

Opportunity Fuels Desire
by Brodie Swisher 

Recent days brought the close of most hunting opportunities here in Montana. Duck and goose seasons closed on January 11th and bow season for deer followed a few days later. Much to my wife’s excitement, it is finally over. What started back on September 1st, has finally come to an end. And even after a long season of success, with plenty of punched tags, the desire still burned within me to get back out in pursuit in the final days of the season. After all, there were ducks and geese to shoot, and whitetail does to add to the freezer. When the opportunity was there, the desire followed close behind.

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On the day following the close of hunting season, while picking up a few scattered items from around the man-cave, I  picked up several dvd’s that I had watched in the final weeks of season. Just days before, Zink’s waterfowl hunting dvd was all it took for me to set my alarm clock for an early wake-up to head to the fields to chase geese. The
opportunity was there…and the passion quickly followed. Primos bowhunting dvd’s were scattered around as evidence of what held my attention just days before. But now, with the lack of opportunity to pursue deer, these dvd’s were of no interest to me. They found their place back on the shelves, where they’ll remain until opportunities arise once again next season. I was moving on to the next opportunity! My thoughts had already transitioned to winter wolves, lions, and even spring turkey and black bears. My heart’s desire always seems to follow opportunity.

The same holds true for much of our day to day routine in life. We desire and crave the very things that are so
readily available to us. We want things fast and easy…and now. Gone are the days of having to wait. When opportunities abound, our desire typically takes a front-row seat. Sadly, this truth is what burns many people in relationships and the work-place. Opportunity-fueled desires have led many to cheat on their spouse, their boss, or their taxes. When you see dangerous opportunities arise, that you know will ultimately lead to desire within you, it is time to bring that “season” to a close. Remove the opportunity, and you’ll dance less with the desire.

“Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Psalm 37:3-5

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