Yesterday I noticed a boy aged about 5 or 6 wearing a T shirt emblazoned with the logo “If not now, when?” I’m sure many of us are familiar with that question, valid and pertinent as it can often be in this oh-too-short life. It is a question that virtually all of us will have to answer at least once and if answered correctly can change and enrich our lives.

It got me thinking about a silver haired gentleman I encountered outside the splendid Church of St George in Madaba, Jordan a few years back. He was a cheerful fellow, stood proudly next to his majestic but tired looking BMW motorcycle and we struck up a conversation. He turned out to be a 69 year old Australian who, a few years back, on the day after he retired, was told by his wife of 30 years that she no longer loved him and wanted a new life for herself.

Fair enough, he thought, and two weeks later was on his way on a solo motor cycle journey around the world. When I met him, he’d already ridden through China, India, Russia and the Middle East. He was now contemplating the next stage of his journey through Africa, thence to Europe, the Americas and home. I think about him every now and again and the lesson that he demonstrates to all of us. I hope that his courage met with its true reward.

If opportunity presents itself, seize it with both hands. The little boy was right, if not now, when?