Fans around the world widely adore football. However, depending on the country, the term "football" can mean very different things. In the US and Canada, "football" refers to American football, a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. Each team has a quarterback (QB), who is responsible for leading the offense, calling plays, and handling the ball in order to score by getting it into the end zone. T
he QB’s decisions can greatly influence the outcome of each play. They must quickly assess the opposing defense (the team without the ball) and make decisions to advance the ball, while the defense aims to force the QB or receiver to fumble the ball. A fumble occurs when a player loses control of the ball while it is in their possession. If the opposing team successfully recovers a fumble, it is considered a turnover or interception. In NFL history (which dates back to 1920), two players are tied for the most fumbles in a season, with a total of 23 each. I’m not sure if either of them is pleased with this statistic, but who could blame them?
This morning, I came across the phrase, “Don’t fumble your life.” It made me reflect on the ways I might have wasted time, missed opportunities, abandoned dreams too early, or quit sooner than I should have. If I were to define a "life fumble" and replay my past, how many fumbles would my record show? Successful players and their coaches regard watching game footage as an essential part of preparation and development. It helps players refine their skills, make informed decisions, and ultimately perform better in games. One of my favorite quotes from the late Pastor John Cherry, Sr., is, “A mistake not learned will be repeated.” I have held on to this saying for over 25 years. However, knowing this truth has not prevented me from making my fair share of mistakes or fumbles.
Today, I won’t dwell on my past fumbles. Instead, I’ll take time to review my life’s game tape to learn from my experiences and develop new strategies. I want to refine my skills, make better decisions, and perform better in this game called life. As a true student, I am grateful for the value, protection, and support I have received throughout my life. I appreciate those who have acted as referees, ensuring the rules were followed fairly and safely; my coaches, who helped me reach my full potential; my teammates, who collaborated with me and challenged me to communicate better and learn how to serve others; and my cheerleaders, who have always believed I could win, even when the score indicated I was losing.
Another thought that crossed my mind while considering how to avoid fumbling my life was to pray and seek God’s help. I am 58 years young and uncertain about which quarter of my life I am in, as I have asked God to allow me to reach the seasoned age of 107 while remaining coherent and in my right mind. Today, my prayer aligns with the scripture in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (KJV). I want to hold onto my game ball with sheer excitement, tenacity, and exuberance, aiming to make it into the end zone—not just once, but as many times as possible. I want to make the play and celebrate with my coaches and teammates, together achieving victory. “The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,... but to the one that endures to the end” (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Let’s get back into the game stronger and wiser than ever before! You’ve got this! No fumbles.
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