Professional football analysts, commentators and former players often refer to the National Football League by the acronym Not For Long. For example, all 32 teams have to trim their 90 man rosters down to 75 players by tomorrow afternoon, August 27th. In addition, within the next week, teams will have to cut another 22 players before completing their 53 man roster before the start of the season. As a result, 1,184 individuals will lose their jobs, having their dreams of playing professional football shattered this season. Although some will be added to practice squads, the reality of not for long will ring true for most of these newly unemployed athletes.
From a golfing perspective, the P.G.A. Tour commenced their 2013 playoffs, sponsored by FedEx, this past weekend won by Adam Scott, with only 125 independent contractors assured of a spot on tour next season. Each week, players are eliminated with only the top 100 advancing to play in Boston, the best 70 moving on to Chicago and the 30 highest point earners finish the season in Atlanta at the Tour Championship. My professional career only lasted 6 months, playing in a few mini-tour events and failing to advance at the Canadian P.G.A. Tour Qualifying School. Like the college stars who will be cut by one of 32 N.F.L. teams, letting go and moving on is a difficult transition, especially for young and gifted athletes.
The brother of Jesus uses a similar expression to describe life in James 4:14. James compares someone’s life to a mist, like the morning dew which appears for a little while, then vanishes as the sun evaporates any traces of its previous existence. Just read the morning headlines of a local paper, click on breaking news alerts or listen to the news of the day as helpless and innocent bystanders have their lives end in tragedy. With this in mind, try to develop a James 4:15 mindset, making the most of each precious day God gives you!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 