“As you seek new opportunity, keep in mind that the sun does not usually reappear on the horizon where last seen.”

— Robert Brault

Opportunities rarely find me when I’m sitting on the floor. Yet, that’s where an opportunity was found today.

For these folks on the University of Portland campus, the nice day was an opportunity to get out of the house. And play some frisbee.

I was sitting on the floor in Franz Hall on the campus of the University of Portland. Our son’s high school Science Bowl team had just finished it’s third match of the morning and the team, a few parents, and the coach were passing time until the next match. I had just opened my laptop, and another parent asked, “Is there free wifi?”

“No,” I replied.

However, our son’s coach, also his chemistry teacher, leaned in with a big smile and said, “No wifi for anyone else, but I’ve got access.” He went on to say that he works summers for the university, which requires internet access.

When queried about what kind of work he does, he said he mentors high school science interns who work for various regional companies. At the mention of a high school summer science internships, our son’s ears perked up. Turns out the internships are available to all high school students and he may be eligible.

And thus, sitting on the floor, an opportunity was found.

The internship is still just a possibility of course, but we had no idea that our son may be eligible. Now, he has something to pursue and who knows where it will lead. It was one of those “ah ha!” moments that never seem to find us at home. It was one of those opportunities that seem to (throwing out some lousy cliches) come out of the blue, come from being in the right place at the right time, and rarely come knocking at the door.

When we volunteer in new places, get involved with the activities of our spouses, children, and friends, become an active part of our communities, and open ourselves up to new ideas, we are in a position to connect with other people – people who may have information or hold opportunities not found in the house.

It could be that when we are home, we tend to be a little more relaxed, hold closer to our normal routines, and ask the same old questions. But when we are out of the house with new people, we are a little more alert, out of our routines, and more likely to ask different questions. Consequently, that leads to different answers. And new opportunities.

Ok, so sitting on the floor in a university hall may not be a great way to find opportunities.

But getting out of the house certainly is.

Today’s gift of time … Accompanied our son to his Science Bowl tournament at the University of Portland. When I got back, attended our daughter’s all-city middle school honor band concert.