"He was a great basketball player with a lot of baggage, who was an under achiever, who wasted a lot of talent." This was the statement of a famous Coach upon the death of a famous Houston Rocket Basketball player on Tuesday. The statement, made on the evening news, caught this ear and shattered my peaceful thoughts of the evening. A powerful athlete, killed in an auto accident, induced by alcohol had brought final attention to his talents.
When asked about this player his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, stated that the player was an alcoholic, who was in over his head, with too much time on his hands. And interview after interview championed the talents of the young man with no grip on reality. While we mourn the loss we gain the insight of life itself.
It is perhaps our baggage that keeps us from moving forward. Gifted and full of potential each of us are destined for the top of our fields. Yet, the magnetic drawing of our base nature keeps the struggle of the balance of good and right alive. The yesterdays pull at us draining away the riches of today.
Harder words could not be spoken of someone at the end of their life's walk than were spoke of this young man. Talented, a star, no need for book knowledge or social etiquette, his basketball abilities carried him through his short life. Fine hotels, the best cars, elaborate home places, designer clothing could not buy one ounce of fidelity toward the good and right of life. In the end it was attributed that he had a lot of baggage, did not achieve what he could have and wasted all that talent.
I am resolved to leave my baggage at the foot of the cross and walk with Jesus stronger every day. I am resolved to achieve that which I am able to achieve in life and love. I am resolved to not waste a drop of gifting or talent that has been given to me by God Almighty!
Will you join me today? Will you resolve to lay down your heavy burdens at the cross today? Will you seek to achieve all that you are designed to achieve today. And finally will you make certain that your gifting and talents are used to help this world we live in become a better place?
If we will our Heavenly Father will certainly be well pleased with our endeavors. Our lives will be blessed beyond belief. Our family and neighbors will be thrilled at our progress. And no one will be able to say about you or I that which was said of this young man at our passing!
Have a great day and God bless you!
