“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” (Proverbs 24:16 NLT)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34 NKJV)
“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 NLT)
Looking back to my son”s BMX racing days, I can remember coaching tips for racing that were full of life lessons. I told my son constantly to never stop peddling until he crossed the finish line. I can’t tell you how many times I saw kids stop peddling, thinking they had won, only to be passed at the line. I also told him that when he fell he needed to jump back on the bike and hit the peddles just as fast as he could. Finally, I would remind him as often as possible that no matter how he did getting out of the gate, never give up until the race is over. I can’t tell you how many times I saw a kid blow the gate (come out of the starting gate last) and then sit down in frustration and coast to the finish in last place missing the opportunity to pass other riders who made mistakes or fell during the race. However, the rider who kept peddling even after a bad start would take advantage of the opportunities created and finish in a better position. The prize truly does go to the one who never quits.
Life can be a tough teacher. I have found that life is rarely easy, but with the right attitude and work ethic it can be truly blessed. The main thing is not how many times we trip and fall, it is how many times we get back up. God’s mercies are new every morning. I try to remind myself every day when I get up that yesterday is gone and today is a new day. If I had a bad day yesterday I tell myself, “it’s a thing of the past so get over it.” If it was a good day I say something like, “can’t ride on yesterday’s victory so you better make the most of today Eric.”
Many years ago I heard someone say that he started each day with the first words out of his mouth being, “I’m Awake, I’m alive, and I’m excited!” He said that it got him started on a positive note each morning and set the tone for the day. I added to his phrase a little, and while I would be lying to say I have done it every morning, on many mornings I start by saying to myself, “This is the day the Lord has made I will be glad and rejoice in it. God’s mercies are new every morning. I’m awake, I’m alive, and I’m excited!” I can tell you that when I start my day that way it does make a positive difference.
I have learned through the years that today is really the only day that truly matters. Yesterday, is gone, and tomorrow never comes because by the time it gets here it is today. Remember the song in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, “Just put one step in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking out the door”? You truly can’t lose if you don’t quit. As long as the buzzer has not sounded the contest is not over and a come back is still possible. And remember, you are not alone in the game. The Lord is on your side and he will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and wants what is best for you even more than you do. So remember…
Eric’s Life Lesson # 4: “If it ain’t over until the Fat Lady sings, then just hide the Fat Lady” (you can’t lose if you don’t quit)