Sunday marked the beginning of a brand new year. Can you believe it is already 2023?
While this past weekend was celebrated with parties, get-togethers, and time off from work, there was one newsworthy event that stood out. It is more than a mere “sports story.” It is a human story that serves as a warning for us to live well and to live faithfully.
In the first quarter of the Buffalo Bills vs. the Cincinnati Bengals football game, Damar Hamlin (a safety for the Bills) made what appeared to be a fairly routine tackle. However, almost immediately after the play, Hamlin collapsed to the ground. Medical personnel rushed onto the field to tend to him and save his life.
At the time of this writing, Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition in the hospital.
Just a few short weeks ago, Hamlin was interviewed and asked about a particular friend and teammate of his who had been seriously injured. This is how Hamlin responded:
“I cherish every second that I can. Every second of every day. We just had our prayer, our DB (defensive backs) prayer we do every Wednesday. He was next to me and I just grabbed his hand a little bit harder just because you know you never know when your last day could be that you get to experience something like this (playing in the NFL). I’m cherishing every moment that I can.”
These are powerful words. They are especially powerful and touching knowing what we know now—having seen what took place on a particular football field in Cincinnati on New Year’s Day.
May we learn hard lessons before it is too late.
May we have the courage and strength to stop paying mere lip service to cherishing the days and making the most of each and every opportunity.
May we finally heed the warnings and words of Scripture:
For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (Psalm 90:9-13)
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Lord, teach us to number our days and to cherish every moment.
