January 3, 2023
Monday Night Football Lessons and Blessings
“Immediately, my player hat went on, like, how do you resume playing after seeing a traumatic event in front of you?” ~ Troy Vincent, NFL Executive.
On January 2, 2023, during one of the biggest NFL football games of the year, we witnessed the tragic scene of Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field, what we now know was from cardiac arrest. The NFL world remains shocked and numb from the entire experience. What happened to Damar and his family is terrible, but his story does provide us with many lessons and blessings.
Nothing brings people together like sports and music. Countless people from around the globe flock to see their favorite sports teams and artists perform every year. People lay aside their judgments and worldviews for a brief moment to savor the moment with people they would usually never hang around. They experience euphoria and a sense of belonging that everyone longs for their entire lives. Then the unexpected happens, a freak accident or illness falls upon someone, and it’s as if someone hit the pause button in the middle of a great performance.
During this pause, we are reminded of how blessed we truly are and how short and fragile life on earth truly is. After the incident occurred with Damar Hamlin and reality set in, everyone on the field, in the stands, watching on tv, and around the world were no longer interested in seeing the game played out; their concern was solely on what matters most, and that is life, love, community, and service.
The world of spirituality has conveyed this truth throughout the ages, yet it is as if we have never heard the message. We idolize worldly possessions and status until tragedy is at our feet, then once again, we are given the lesson and blessing; there is more to life than the pursuit and worship of power, glory, and prestige. Life is short, and our mission is clear, love each other, serve each other, and cherish the moments before the game of life is altered or ends in a flash. Don’t put off today what needs to be said or carried out because tomorrow may never come.
Great Physician, we know You already know the needs of Damar and his family, yet we boldly pray for your sovereign hand to cover the Hamiln family. Please allow the lesson and blessings from this tragic event to remind us how short and precious life truly is. Grant us the willingness to be attentive to the people in our lives and the power to carry out Your purpose in every aspect of our lives. In Your Spirit and Name, we pray these things. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What was your reaction to the tragedy on Monday Night Football? What lessons and blessings does it provide you?
- Who have you failed to love and serve in your life that, if they perished today, would cause you great pain and leave you with a sense of unfinished business? Now is the time to take action, don’t put off what needs to be said and done today because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash
Magnificent reflection Pastor Harold.
Thank you, Joe Birch; you are a generous brother.