Teal at First Light

Teal season is famously short — a couple of weeks, sometimes just days, and the birds themselves are here and gone in a blur of wings. Blink at the wrong moment and the flock is out of range. The teal hunter learns a hard discipline: be ready now, because 'later' doesn't exist in this season.Paul told the Ephesians to live the same way — making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. The Greek phrase means 'buying up the time,' like a man snapping up something rare before it's gone. Opportunities to love your wife, disciple your kids, encourage a friend, share your faith — they pass through your life like teal over decoys. Fast. Unannounced. Unrepeatable.The father whose kids are small, the son whose parents are aging, the man whose friend is struggling right now — this is your short season. Take the opportunity while it's in range.Prayer:Lord, wake me up to the short seasons in my life — the opportunities passing through right now that won't come around again.Make me wise with my days. Help me buy up the time You've given me and spend it on what matters. Amen.Challenge:Identify one 'teal season' in your life right now — a fleeting window with a child, a parent, a friend, or an opportunity to serve. Act on it within 48 hours, before it flies out of range.