Football is like 'the game of life'

My understanding of football is not the greatest. I really show my ignorance of the game but I'm trying to become more knowledgeable.

My husband is patient explaining each play until about the halftime. Then it's one grunt means "NO," and two grunts mean, "YES."

He gets too busy getting into the game especially if it is a close one. This much I know, "the object of the game is to lay hold on the ball and run toward the finish line." Our youngest son likes to say, "Life is a touchdown."

Football reminds me of "the game of life." Sometimes we have setbacks and we "lose the ball." We get tackled and wonder if problems will ever stop. Even so we do not let this discourage us.

We "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14).

We may be down but not defeated. We get up and try again. We keep on playing the game because the prize at the end of the race is worth everything. Just as the athletes go into strict training in order to get the prize, so we as Christians train ourselves to run the race of life.

The athlete focuses all of his energies on winning the race. We keep our eyes on Jesus, "Our Coach" to win the race. We know His promise of eternity will win.

Our "cheerleaders" are those who have gone on before us, whose faithfulness is a constant encouragement to us.

"We have around us many people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God's throne. Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying" (Hebrews 12:1-3, NCV).

Let's run toward the finish line. We run this game of life with faith and righteousness. May the hope of our glory overshadow us because we dwell in faith. Let's run our days with calm assurance.

Finally, when the last game of life is won we will not be wearing a helmet but a crown. We'll not see football "goal posts" but a golden gate because our Builder and Maker is God and we shall live with Him forever!"

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.'" (Revelation 21:21, NIV).

Let's run the race of life and win.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]