The NFL draft takes place this Thursday evening. Each year, after tons of investigation, combines and private workouts, teams try and select players that will be good investments and possibly turn their franchises around. It is interesting that so many top draft choices – those players that are deemed to have it all – don’t pan out and some never even make an impact. On the flip side, there are many players drafted in the last rounds or never drafted that go on to have incredible careers and even set records. Many players do not last long. The average career in the NFL is only three and one half years. Again, there are things like injuries and unforeseen circumstances that come into play. But the fascinating thing to me is that many of the highly sought after players never live up to expectations. To me, the BIG factor is perspective.
The living example of this is Tom Brady. As one person states, “Brady is now in his 40s and doing things never seen before in the NFL. He is still leading his teams to Super Bowls, winning MVP awards, and doing it at an age when most have already moved on to the TV booth".
Brady's amazing career began in April 2000, when the Patriots famously rolled the dice and drafted the Michigan quarterback in the sixth round with the 199th pick overall. New England made the move despite Brady being thoroughly unimpressive at the NFL combine.
The six quarterbacks drafted before Brady combined to start 191 games and throw 258 touchdowns. In Brady's career, he has won 219 regular-season games, 30 playoff games, and six Super Bowls. He has also thrown 541 touchdowns — and counting. Brady truly is the GOAT. When drafted so late, Brady went to the owner of the New England Patriots and told him “You will never regret drafting me.” His attitude was to give the Kraft family his very best and to honour their choice with his life.
Our attitude as Christians is to be pleasing to God and to give Him our vey best with our lives. We don’t have to be the most talented or the most articulate or the most charismatic in personality. Tom Brady certainly wasn’t when he was drafted. The big difference was commitment – commitment to learn – to grow and to give his best – how he looked at the BIG picture. Paul says in (Romans 8:1NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
We need to start each day with a commitment to His grace. Remember His love in choosing us and calling us to be His family. Look to His word to guide us and let His word permeate our prayers. Remember, like Brady, when we don’t make the perfect play, when we drop the ball, get back up – learn – ask for strength and wisdom and journey on. Brady’s ability to understand defences and see the field took years to develop. And Brady will tell you he is still learning. My friend remember the Christian experience is a life long journey of growing, some times failing and living daily as “Ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:22 NIV) for Christ. As Philippians 2 reminds us “servanthood” will free us to be our very best for Him. And like Brady, take one game, one day at a time and enjoy the journey. God bless you and remember this day the importance of perspective. "Life is a canvas, we fill in the picture"; paint your picture with the colours of perspective!
As we close our reflection, we remember the brave people of Nova Scotia in the face of this overwhelming tragedy. Our hearts go out to them and the pain they are feeling at this time. To the families that have lost loved ones, we send our most sincere condolences and pray that God would give you strength. Thank you to first responders like Constable Stevenson who protect us daily and are willing to give up their lives in the line of duty. To Constable Stevenson’s family, we extend our deepest gratitude and most heartfelt condolences. I know the people of Nova Scotia and they will stand strong and stand united. We stand with you this day and the days ahead, in prayer. God bless you
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