By Rusty Potter
Every November, we “fall back.” The clocks roll back an hour, and most people celebrate the idea of getting an extra hour of sleep. But while many see this as a time to rest a little longer, I see it differently; I see it as a time to rise higher.
In the spring, we “spring forward”. In the fall, we “fall back.” But no matter which direction the clock moves, one thing never changes – time keeps ticking. Life doesn’t pause for anyone. The seasons shift, the world moves on, and opportunities come and go. The real question isn’t whether time will move – it’s whether you will move forward.
Every morning at 4:00 AM, my alarm goes off. But I don’t call it an alarm clock – I call it my Opportunity Clock. An alarm is something that startles you. It jolts you awake. But an opportunity clock? That’s different. It’s not noise – it’s a call to improvement. It’s a reminder that every sunrise is another invitation from God to live on with purpose.
When that clock rings, I don’t see it as a nuisance – I see it as a signal that purpose is waiting on me. While most of the world is still asleep, I’m already moving toward my goals. I am sometimes doing a sunrise run. There is an old saying that is still true today: “It’s the early bird that gets the worm.”
The Bible says in Proverbs 31:15, “She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family.” Even before sunrise, the virtuous woman is already working toward her goals. That’s the heart of the Opportunity Clock – it represents discipline and focus in action.
In Mark 1:35, we see that even Jesus rose early in the morning to pray. He understood that power comes from preparation.
As we adjust our clocks this fall, we should change our mindset. Don’t just fall back – fall forward. Use this season to refocus, recharge, and rediscover your purpose.
When your clock rings tomorrow, don’t hit snooze on your potential. Answer the call of your Opportunity Clock – because it’s still the early bird that gets the worm, and every sunrise brings a brand-new opportunity for you to soar.
Rise and shine – your opportunity is waiting.
