Be on the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time of your

"Be on the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time of your life it may occur." – Muriel Spark

In these profound words, Muriel Spark calls upon us to remain vigilant, to be ever watchful for the moment when our true strength, potential, and purpose manifest. We are often conditioned to believe that there is a specific, fleeting period in life—perhaps in our youth or early adulthood—when we are at our best, our prime. But Spark challenges this notion, urging us to be aware, not only of when we are young, but of the vast potential that exists at every stage of life. Prime is not a fixed destination, but a state of readiness and openness to the possibilities that each day brings, regardless of age or circumstance. To recognize one's prime is to understand that we can be at our best at any moment, no matter where we are on life's journey.

To live with such awareness is to embody the spirit of the warrior, always prepared to seize the opportunity when it arrives. Just as a seasoned general knows when to fight and when to wait, so must we understand that our prime is not just a fleeting moment but a series of milestones, spread throughout our lives. The wise person is not defined by the passing of years but by their capacity to recognize the opportunity for greatness wherever they may be. They understand that greatness is not a moment in time, but a series of decisions, actions, and realizations that unfold throughout a lifetime.

Consider the example of Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, who, in his sixties, after years of setbacks, finally achieved the success he had long sought. For most of his life, he had worked many jobs and faced countless failures, but he did not let age or the idea that his prime had passed stop him from pursuing his dream. It was in his later years that Sanders recognized his prime—a time when his wisdom, experience, and vision aligned perfectly to create something enduring. He teaches us that our prime is not tied to youth, but rather to our willingness to seize the moment, regardless of when it arrives.

Similarly, Moses, the ancient leader of the Hebrew people, spent the first forty years of his life in exile, far from the destiny that would shape him. It was only in his later years, when he was called upon by the divine to lead his people to freedom, that his true prime emerged. Moses was an elderly man when he accepted his monumental calling, yet his strength, wisdom, and determination grew only stronger in his later years. His story exemplifies the truth of Spark’s words: one’s prime does not fade with age; it is discovered when the heart and mind are open and ready to embrace the call of purpose.

We also see this truth in the lives of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who, in their later years, continued to produce masterpieces that have endured for centuries. While their earlier lives were marked by intense productivity, they did not rest on their laurels. As both men grew older, they continued to push the boundaries of their art and thought, producing some of their most profound works in the later stages of life. Their prime was not limited to a youthful era; it was a constant unfolding of brilliance, a willingness to remain open and engaged with the world even as they aged.

The lesson we must take from Muriel Spark is that age does not determine our worth or limit our potential. Prime is not something that belongs exclusively to the young; it belongs to the vibrant, to those who remain ever alert to the opportunities around them. Each day offers a new chance to step into our greatest potential. It is our task to remain open to this possibility and to recognize that at any moment, we can enter our prime—whether in our youth, our middle years, or in the later stages of life.

The practical action here is clear: do not wait for a specific time to live at your best. Every stage of life holds its own potential. Recognize it when it comes, whether through new opportunities, growth, or learning. Embrace the journey, knowing that your prime is not something to be sought in the past, but in the present. Take action when the moment arises, and commit to living with the understanding that prime is not a destination—it is the active pursuit of purpose, strength, and vitality at every turn of the road. Let each day be an opportunity to reach deeper into your soul and live with a readiness to claim the greatness that is meant for you.