Opportunity's ...

OPPORTUNITY’S BALD-SPOT

In the past, there was a well-known bronze statue of Kairos by a Greek sculptor named Lysippos. On this famous statue was an epigram about the meaning of the statue.

The epigram was a series of questions and answers. After inquiring about the author and his origins, it continued:

"And who are you? Time--Kairos--who subdues all things.

Why do you stand on tip-toe? I am ever running.

And why you have a pair of wings on your feet?

I fly with the wind.

And why do you hold a razor in your right hand?

As a sign to men that I am sharper than any sharp edge.

And why does your hair hang over your face?

For him who meets me to take me by the forelock.

And why, in Heaven’s name, is the back of your head bald? Because none whom I have once raced by on my winged feet will now, though he wishes it sore, take hold of me from behind."

This gave rise to an expression that "Opportunity is bald from behind." Once it’s past, you can’t get it back!

(From a sermon by Mark Adams, "Opportunity is Bald From Behind" 2/25/2009)