Looking Forward

You might not recognize the athlete in this picture because in all probability when he was in his prime, you were a mere toddler, if you "were" at all. Anyway, he was quite the athlete, so much so that his high school peers elected him "Athlete of the Year" and just for the record, the year was 1960. Don't let this basketball uniform fool you because his talents included baseball and track! I never did understand why he was never offered an athletic scholarship to some prestigious university but such is life, I suppose--you win some and you lose some, regardless of your talent.

He did go on to a private college that had intra-mural sports, and in an attempt not only to make his high school proud, but also to continue his athletic career, he attempted to make the freshman basketball team. Note that I said "attempted" because this is where his athletic career ended (for some reason they could not see his talent) and the trophy that rested in the Reynolds High School trophy case quietly disappeared. I have often wondered what happened to it but I suppose it is best to let bygones be bygone.

Isn't it "funny" how things that once consumed your life have a way of disappearing into the shadows? Back in those days, I lived and breathed basketball and baseball (track was just a necessity, I suppose) but in less than three months, (from June to September) that passion gave way to to more "noble" causes. To be the "Athlete of the Year" in a high school of 100 or so students was OK in its day, but in the big scheme of things, it really didn't amount to much. In fact, I had to check the 1960 yearbook just to be sure that I was "Athlete of the Year."

Anyway, I think Paul was thinking something like this, when he penned these words: "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). You see, in the days when he was a Pharisee, a leader of Israel, his peers gave him the title, "Mr. Israel" or better, yet, "Jew of Jews!" But you know, in less time than it takes for lightening to flash that passion gave way to another passion--a much more noble passion--the preaching of the incredible gospel! Yes, in its day, the title "Jew of Jews" was OK, but in the big scheme of things, it really didn't amount to much; in fact, in his mind it was mere dung.

My Point: Jesus has provided an incredible life for you to live--a more abundant life--but you will never live it until you let the past go and press on toward the true goal, the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Have a wonderful day!
Your Pastor