September 14, 2018

Reshape Your Priorities

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. – Proverbs 27:1

The sound of chopper blades filled the silent night. The helicopter landed on the football field as fans, players, coaches, medics, all looked on. There’s something about it that puts a high school football game in its proper perspective.

We don’t know what tomorrow might bring. We tell ourselves that. But do we really believe it? And, more importantly, do we live like we believe it?

I wasn’t at that high school game tonight. The game was between two teams nearby. Small schools. You know the kind. Everyone knows everyone else. Nothing truly bad is supposed to happen.

A friend posted photos and, then, videos of the helicopter landing and taking off. We’ve had no news yet about the player. We can only imagine his family’s anguish. We hurt for the other players and coaches. We pray fervently for a young man to please be alright.

I know about sudden changes. I understand how one minute everything is right in your world and in the next life has changed forever. I have felt that earth-shattering moment that you come to think of as a dividing line between before and after.

We are so focused on being in charge of our own lives. We make plans like we really know what’s going to happen. We act as though our life events are more important than, well, almost anything. Until something happens and we refocus on what’s really important.

Jesus. He’s what matters. Do you know Him? Do you serve Him? Or do you serve yourself and your own agenda?

Don’t make excuses. I’m not calling you out but I do want you to squirm. I want you to think about your days, your priorities, your values. How many times do you put off doing things for Jesus because you’ve got something “better” to do? How many times do you make excuses such as time, energy, money?

I pray that young man will be okay. I pray he will heal quickly and completely, with no lasting impact from tonight. And I pray that this opened the eyes and hearts of those who witnessed it. We don’t always have the time we think we have.

So, make your plans with loose fingers. Leave room for Jesus. He has a way of showing up when you least expect Him.

Update: The player has a sprained spine. No breaks. He should be okay. Thank you for your prayers.