I listened the other day to a football coach giving a motivational talk before the last game of the year. He said, “How you perform tonight will be how you are remembered.”
I know his intentions were to encourage his team to play they’re very best, and I’m sure the athletes took it that way, but there was something sad in his words, too.
Somebody has to lose, somebody must miss the block, or drop the pass, or miss the kick, and be remembered for one’s mistakes strikes me as being tremendously unfair.
I think I have written to you before about a few of my teammates who still live out the coach’s words — “this is how you will be remembered.” They see their life as having ended on the field whether due to injury, their skills no longer being superior, or simply because it was the last game.
Fortunately, for most my teammates their lives really began when the last game was over. They will be remembered for so much more, and football’s only permanent mark will be the physical injury that each and every one of them must live with into old age. To counter balance the injury for most are wonderful memories of companionship and good times.
The coach’s words about being remembered also can inspire us all. For we are all still playing at the game of life and we still have opportunities to inspire and set an example.
“How we perform” today and in the days ahead can, if we set our minds to it, can be how we are remembered.
Ask yourself today “how do I want to be remembered” and set your mind to it. “Impossible, I’m too old, etc.,” you say. Nothing is impossible with God, and he is right there as your coach and teammate to guide you on your way.
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