Last night was our high school’s final home game of the regular season. The excitement was thick in the nearly packed stands. At the same time the night provided a silent air of sorrowful reflection. As the final home game, it was “Senior Night” where the graduating class (players and Band) were recognized for their accomplishments and applauded in their future aspirations.
In the midst of great celebration, there was one special recognition that brought a reverent and reflective silence. A young girl (one of school’s recent alumna) had lost her fight with cancer. Her life cut short at such a young age reminded all that we are not promised tomorrow. (James 4:14) The moment of silence was heavy and everyone stopped to acknowledge her life and to applaud her prolonged fight and resolve to LIVE every day of her life.
The game must go on! Boy what a difficult transition! We grieve the loss of life but we must continue to find joy in the life yet to live. Life must go on!
This brought to my mind the truth of how as interconnected beings, we as a “body” suffer together. The principle of 1 Corinthians 12:26 came to mind: “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Our team was not performing as well as hoped for and the game seemed to be a struggle most of the night. The spectators remained in the stands, hopeful the team would pull it together. There were the predictable “ups and downs” but there was one special moment that brought us to our feet! Our team recovered the ball!
I was so encouraged at how those in the stands were willing to cheer the team on as if to say, “See you can do it, we believe in you!” Then HE caught my attention! A “precious needs child” stood to his feet and looked around trying to understand what was going on. I saw it connect in his eyes when he realized…and then he ACTED! He turned back to face the field and began to yell out, “Woo Hoo!”
The excitement of the crowd had drawn him in and drew him away from his preoccupation with his “tablet.” It resonated with me… We, collectively, have the power to lift others up or to bring others down. Our choice in any given situation is contagious. All around us are “little eyes” watching and “little ears” listening…seeking to know how they should respond! Oh, the truth of this should prompt us to be ever so careful what we do, knowing they will mirror us, for both good and bad. We demonstrate before them how to live the life we are given, however long or short.
I wish I could tell you that our team won last night, but they did not. WE lost! We still applauded the players. We will still get up and go see them play next week in the playoffs, because life goes on!
