Philippians 3:14 (New International Version)
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
On New Year's Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played University
of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game a man named Roy Riegels recovered
a fumble for California. Somehow, he became confused and started running 65
yards in the wrong direction. One of his teammates, Benny Lom, outdistanced him
and downed him just before he scored for the opposing team. When California
attempted to punt, Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety which was the
ultimate margin of victory.
That strange play came in the first half, and everyone
who was watching the game was asking the same question: "What will Coach
Nibbs Price do with Roy Riegels in the second half?" The men filed off the
field and went into the dressing room. They sat down on the benches and on the
floor, all but Riegels. He put his blanket around his shoulders, sat down in a
corner, put his face in his hands, and cried like a baby. If you have played
football, you know that a coach usually has a great deal to say to his team
during half time. That day Coach Price was quiet. No doubt he was trying to
decide what to do with Riegels. Then the timekeeper came in and announced that
there were three minutes before playing time. Coach Price looked at the team
and said simply, "Men the same team that played the first half will start
the second." The players got up and started out, all but Riegels. He did
not budge. the coach looked back and called to him again; still he didn't move.
Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat and said, "Roy, didn't you hear
me? The same team that played the first half will start the second." Then
Roy Riegels looked up and his cheeks were wet with a strong man's tears.
"Coach," he said, "I can't do it to save my life. I've ruined
you, I've ruined the University of California, I've ruined myself. I couldn't
face that crowd in the stadium to save my life." Then Coach Price reached
out and put his hand on Riegel's shoulder and said to him: "Roy, get up
and go on back; the game is only half over." And Roy Riegels went back,
and those Tech men will tell you that they have never seen a man play football
as Roy Riegels played that second half.
As we enter the New Year let’s look forward to the great
things that God has for us. We have each made mistakes in the past, let’s not
dwell on them but press on to the goal that God has for us.
Dear Lord we thank You for the New Year that is before
us. We pray that we would not get discouraged with our past failures but press
on to the goal before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.