抓住這一天──今天就開始！

在電影「春風化雨 The Dead Poets Society」中，演員羅賓威廉斯飾演一位有高度創意，但卻有些古怪的大學文學教授。那場景是在有名的威爾登預科學院（Welton Preparatory School）。在第一天上課時，這位教授把他的學生們帶到行政大樓，要他們圍在一個玻璃櫃旁，那玻璃櫃放著學校歷年來英雄人物的照片。

教授問學生們：「你們聽到他們在向你們低聲地說什麼？」

這些一年級的年輕人張大眼睛看著那展示櫃，但卻想不出任何話來回答他的問題。

教授知道學生們對他的問題感到困惑，就告訴他們答案：「他們正在告訴你們每一個人：『Carpe diem 抓住這一天。』」

然後他繼續說：「抓住這一天！過去的領袖已經離開了。他們做出改變的機會已經過去。你們必須抓住這一天。現在的時機正剛好，需求無限，而且機會是前所未有的。」

教授用這句鼓舞的話結束他的勸勉：「我聽到的不是輕聲低語，而是像喇叭的大聲響說：Carpe diem抓住這一天！」

在今日全球市場上除了少數專注的人，有這種目標驅動感的人非常缺乏。Carpe diem這句拉丁文挑戰聽者去好好運用任何一天所遇到的機會，這句話吸引真正的改革者，努力探索到新的領域。當我查看今日的工商專業界，我相信這是缺失的一環，我們需要這一環去確保一個堅強、持久且有生產力的工作環境。

今天我要發出一個挑戰：你要在本週追求新境界和新機會，要知道這麼做不會缺少戰場。但不要喪膽！在主前八世紀，以色列的創造者上帝告訴祂的子民：「抓住這一天。我已帶你出埃及並戰勝了埃及的軍隊，現在我要做更大的事。在我心中有一個新的『出埃及記』！」

聖經舊約告訴我們：「你們不要記念從前的事，也不要思想古時的事。看哪，我要作一件新事；如今要發現，你們豈不知道嗎﹖我必在曠野開道路」（以賽亞書43章18-19節）。

所以，讓我建議你，今天就開始：起來跟著上帝的步伐！看祂如何為你工作。就像演員羅賓威廉斯在電影中所說──但帶著更大的權柄－－因為上帝說：「抓住這一天！」

本文改編自「週一早晨觀點」，這是一系列由羅勃．符思特以電子郵件發出的默想文章。他不收費，鼓勵人們複製，只要註明出處即可。若有任何問題或評論，請寫信到29555 Goose Creek Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, U.S.A.或傳真 (303) 647-2315。符思特先生最近剛慶祝他91歲生日。就像他的勸勉，他每一天都繼續「抓住這一天！」

思想 / 討論題目
在讀本篇文章前，你是否熟悉這句拉丁文「Carpe diem──抓住這一天」？這句話對你有何意義？ 想想你是如何面對普通的一個工作天。你是否採取「抓住這一天」的態度去面對這一天的機會與挑戰，或者你的態度是「que sera, sera──該是你的就會是你的，不需強求」？ 若你不斷地把「抓住這一天」作為你動力的來源，相信會面臨極大的需求和無限的機會，你可以真的成為一個改變者－－不論在你家中、職場、社區、和世界上，這會為你個人（或你的雇主）帶來什麼改變？ 本文作者最後建議你要跟著上帝的步伐，認清祂對你現在做的事非常感興趣，也要參與其中，而且祂將賜你能力與資源把那事做好。你是否相信這一點？為什麼？若你想要看有關此主題的其他經文，請看：
傳道書1章3-17節，9章10節；使徒行傳1章7-8節；以弗所書5章15-16節；歌羅西書3章17、23-24節

“SEIZE THE DAY” – STARTING TODAY!

By Robert D. Foster

In the movie, “The Dead Poets Society,” actor Robin Williams plays the role of a highly creative, somewhat eccentric college professor of literature. The setting is Welton, a prestigious preparatory school. On the first day of class, Williams the professor takes his students to the administration building and gathers them around a glass case containing pictures and photos of school heroes from years past.

Williams asks his students: "What do you hear them whispering to you?"

All the young people, mostly first-year students, stare at the display case but cannot think of anything to say in response to his question.

When he realizes the students are puzzled by his inquiry, Williams provides the answer he was seeking: "They are saying to each of you, “CARPE DIEM.”"

Then he continues: "Seize the day! The leaders of the past are gone. Their chances to make a difference are past. You must seize the day. The time is right, the needs are immense and the opportunities are unprecedented."

Professor Williams closes his exhortation with this stirring remark: "What I am hearing is not a whisper but a trumpet call: “CARPE DIEM!””

Except for a minority of dedicated people in the world”s marketplace today, such a driving sense of purpose is conspicuously absent. Carpe diem, the Latin words that challenge the hearers to maximize opportunities presented to them on any given day, are what attracts unique individuals – true change-makers – to new realms of exploration and endeavor. As I survey today”s business and professional world, I believe this is the missing link in the chain that is necessary to ensure a strong, enduring and productive workplace environment.

Today I would like to issue a challenge: For you to start this week pursuing new frontiers and fresh opportunities, recognizing that doing so will not be without its battles. But be encouraged! In the 8th century B.C., Israel’s Creator God said to His people: "Carpe Diem. I brought you out of Egypt and conquered the Egyptian army, now I want to do an even greater thing. I have in mind a new ‘exodus’"!

As we are told in the Bible”s Old Testament, "Forget all the past – it is nothing compared to what I’m going to do! For I’m going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a road though the wilderness of the world" (Isaiah 43:18-19).

So let me suggest, starting today: Get in step with God! Watch Him go to work on your behalf. Just as actor Robin Williams said in the film – but with far more authority – God is saying, “CARPE DIEM!”

Taken and adapted from Take Two on Monday Morning, written by Robert D. Foster. Permission to reproduce with proper credit is freely given and encouraged. For questions or comments, write: 29555 Goose Creek Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, U.S.A., or fax (303) 647-2315. Mr. Foster recently celebrated his 91st birthday. True to his exhortation, he continues to “seize the day” on a daily basis.

Reflection/Discussion Questions
Before reading this “Monday Manna,” were you familiar with the Latin phrase, “Carpe diem” – “Seize the day”? What do these words mean to you? Think about how you approach a typical workday. Do you take a “carpe diem” attitude toward the day”s opportunities and challenges, or is it more like “que sera, sera” – “whatever will be, will be”? What difference would it make for you personally (or for the people you work with) if you consistently made “carpe diem” a source of motivation, a belief that in the face of great needs and unlimited opportunities, you could truly be an agent for change – in your home, at work, in your community, and in the world? Mr. Foster closes with the suggestion that you get in step with God, recognizing that He is vitally interested and involved in what you are doing – and that He will give you the ability and resources to get the job done. Do you believe that? Why or why not?If you would like to consider other Bible passages that relate to this topic, look up the following:
Ecclesiastes 1:3-17, 9:10; Acts 1:7-8; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 3:17,23-24

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