Baloney!

Philippians 3:13-14  No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

On New Years Day, 1929, Georgia Tech was playing California in the Rose Bowl. Late in the second quarter, Roy Reigels recovered a fumble for California, and in his excitement became confused and began running in the wrong direction. After racing 65 yards he was finally tackled by his own player at the California 2 yard line. California attempted to punt from deep in their own end zone, but the kick was blocked and Georgia Tech scored a safety.

In the locker room at half time, Roy Reigels sat in the corner with his face buried in his hands, crying. The room was silent. The coach didn't make his usual half-time speech, but shortly before the team was to take the field for the second half, he said, "The starting team is going back onto the field to begin the second half." The whole team left the locker room except for Reigels, who remained in the corner with his face in hands. "I can't do it, Coach," he said. "I can't play. I've ruined the team."

The coach said, "Get up Reigels. The game is only half over. You belong on the field." 

I know a lot of people who have given up at halftime in their lives. They have had bad breaks or made mistakes along the way, and they think to themselves, “My life is over, it’s not going to get any better than this.”

There is an ancient Greek word that sums up this attitude: baloney!

Get up, dust off your britches and get back into the game. If you have breath God can change your life for the better. If you have sinned or made mistakes, God forgives. You can, and must, keep your eye on God, not your mistakes. The game ain’t over, you belong on the field.

Today’s Readings: 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

For more posts, or to receive these daily via email, go to jerrygodsey.substack.com