I recently had the opportunity to view a terrific movie that starred Kurt Russell and others. It centered around a man who in high school had been named Mr. Football for the state of Ohio in 1991. The movie, Touchdown, begins with a glimpse of the ending of the state championship in which this young man scrambles for a last minute touchdown and wins the game as he dives over the goal line to only sustain a career ending knee injury. Fast forward a few years and we see this same now older man married with two children, and at a place in life in a small town where he begins to struggle. In fact he goes to a place where he can see his old football field and falls asleep and wakes up years earlier and back in high school with a chance to undo that fateful night and change the outcome of his life.
The young man is rejoicing at the opportunity and we find him once again in the same high school championship game with an opportunity to not be injured and he sees glimpses of his stardom as the QB for Ohio State University. The movie shows this man as he struggles to make the same decision that would lead him back to his wife, children, and less than prosperous life, a hard life. In the end this young man ultimately decided to go back to the life that he had built. No stardom, no fans cheering but a thankful family, and grateful community, neighbors, and friends. This young man was loved by all not because of his football deeds but because he was a great husband, father, and member of his community.
As I watched this movie I thought back in my life to the night that I got injured and lost the career that I loved deeply. For a while, I was angry and bitter because of it but in the end I had a loving wife, a family that loves me, and a church that has helped me grow into the person that I am today. I also thought about the apostle Paul as he writes chapter 3 of the book of Philippians. If you know me, you know that I am a fan of Paul’s writing and love this chapter in the Bible.
Paul describes in verses 1-14, his former life and how he would not be the man he was, the minister he was, and the faithful follower of Christ that he was if it had not been for Jesus Christ changing him. Paul like the young man in the movie had a past, like me, I had a past, and all three of us are new men and the man God created and blessed because of Christ.
We can decided to look back and wonder what if we had done things differently. How would things have worked out. At least for me, I am what I am because of what has taken place in my life. Today, I am truly thankful for having gone through all of the surgeries, pain, and heartache because I have been able like Paul, to see how God has changed me and moved in my life.
So today, don’t look back but look forward to the reward of Heaven and focus on the blessings of salvation and the message of grace and mercy. God is at work in our lives and we can find a place of true joy and peace in knowing him and serving him. It is not always easy but I believe that if we just have faith we and you can see God moving in you. When my life is over I want to be like the apostle Paul and know the power of the resurrection. That’s my goal and that’s where my hope lies.
Remember that God loves you and that my wife and I are praying for you all. God bless you!
A Daily Walk With Christ 