The Running of Roy Regals

On New Years Day, 1929, Georgia Tech was playing California. Late in the second quarter, Roy Regals recovered a fumble for California. In his excitement, he became confused and began running in the wrong direction. After racing 65 yards he was finally tackled by his own player at the California 2 yard line. California attempted to punt from deep in their own end zone, but the kick was blocked and Georgia Tech scored a safety. In the locker room at half time, Roy Regals sat in the corner with his face buried in his hands, crying. The room was silent. The Coach didn’t make his usual halftime speech, but shortly before the team was to take the field for the second half, he said, “The starting team is going back onto the field to begin the second half.” The entire team left the locker room except for Regals, who remained in the corner with his face in his hands. “I can’t do it Coach,” he said. “I can’t play. I ruined the team.” The Coach said, “Get up Regals. The game is only half over. You belong on the field.”

Our spiritual opponent doesn’t want us to know this, but, our game isn’t over yet either. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us that regardless of the mistakes made in the past, we still have the rest of the game to play. God is willing to forgive the mistakes of the first half…and He expects us to do the same with ourselves and with others.

Water Well Witness

We must be willing to share the peace we have with Christ with others in loving and creative ways. I listened to an Indonesian pastor tell of the time when his church was unjustly shut down by the local Muslim officials. This would now cause a huge problem as the only water well in that small community was located on the church property. What would their response be? If they would withhold water from the other villagers, chaos would erupt. It would be tough but they decided that even though they were unjustly shut down, they would continue to let the local Muslims freely use their water supply. After eight months, the Muslim officials peacefully let them reopen their church. I’m coming to realize more and more that peacemaking is not merely a concept or a doctrine, it’s an activity. It’s not passive, it’s active. It’s not so much something we are, it’s something we do…in our homes, in our work, in all of life. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Third Grade Kickball

I still remember today what recess felt like when I was in the third grade. That year the game was kickball. More pointedly, I remember the awesome red ball we used. It was the kind of ball which was somewhat solid, yet spongy enough that when it hit that sweet spot on your foot, it seemed to soar in the air for a mile. I also vividly remember the classmate who never thought he was out. The play didn’t even have to be close, but regardless, he would dispute the call if he was out. After weeks of this behavior, another classmate and I decided that it was time for us to become the teachers, so we made up our own lesson plan. Thus, 'table-top' technique was applied. This was done very quickly, succinctly and successfully. I engaged the whiner in a conversation while my buddy slowly walked behind him and proceeded to get down on all fours. Once he was in place, I gave a quick shove and watched as he tumbled backwards over my accomplice’s back and onto the ground. We had a good laugh…until he started writhing around on the ground in pain. His cries and groans caught the attention of the teacher on duty and our laughs quickly turned to concern and to that dreaded 'oh, no' feeling. As we weren’t able to go out to recess for a while after this, we realized very quickly that our reactive, aggressive behavior certainly didn’t solve the problem. A peaceful solution wasn’t tried and things only got worse. Remember, "If it's possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

Big Macs

A 54 year-old Wisconsin man says his obsessive-compulsive disorder drove him to eat 23,000 Big Macs in 36 years. Don Gorske, who has kept every receipt in a box, says this pleasurable obsession began the day he got his first car. The only day he skipped a Big Mac was the day his mother died, only to respect her wishes. He said he doesn’t care if people think he’s crazy because he’s in love with the burgers, which are the highlights of his days. Makes you wonder what consequences this decision will have on his physical body and how soon it will be until we read his obituary! Whether physically or spiritually, let’s remember that “…our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…therefore let’s honor God with it.” (I Cor. 6:19-20)

Dog Food

A dog food company’s newest product wasn’t selling like expected so the president called in his management staff and asked, “How’s our advertising?” “It’s going great sir! We’re on track to win the industry’s top awards.” “All right,” he continued. “How about our product design?” “Great boss! Every marketing test we’ve ran has scored high.” “Ok, well, how’s our sales staff? Are they doing their job?” “Sir, you hired them and we all know you’re a great evaluator of talent. You know they’re the best!” “Well then, we’ve got great advertising, great packaging and a top-notch sales force, yet we’re coming in dead last in the dog food market. Does anyone have an idea what’s going on here?” Everyone looked at each other until finally one brave soul spoke up and said, “It’s those stupid dogs sir. They just won’t touch the stuff.”

Titus 2:7 encourages us, “In everything set an example by doing what is good.” What example do we give as we live? In other words, spiritually speaking, “Are people buying what we’re selling?”