2 hours Ago By by John G. Miller
Life is full of ups and downs, of periods of great joy and days we’d much sooner forget. I’ve been blessed in many ways, with many fond memories. But there were plenty of challenges too, those times we’d rather forget but probably learned from them along the way.
Miller This post I wrote a while back showed up in my social media feed, and as I re-read it memories of that day came flooding back. Maybe I would have thought of on my own, but probably not packaged together. It was a time when I was still doing a little coaching, days that are behind me now.
After years of being involved with sports as an official, an administrator and coach, I find myself thankful that I’m purely a spectator and commentator these days. But plenty of good memories, along with other aspects of life: “After a day full of emotions, I’m thankful for the chance to reflect, to enjoy, to rejoice in life, its ups and downs. Treasuring minutes talking to a good friend recovering from serious surgery, thankful to have the chance to talk to him after the fear of losing him; to tell him that I love him, words that come easier now.
“Thinking of the look in our players eyes as they were on the cusp of victory, only to fall by a few after battling back from a 14-point deficit. “Eyes of excitement, of possibility, then of defeat, of heartbreak, of pain and anguish, and then of realization of just how far they’ve come. “Of time spent with co-workers, both new and old, time spent doing our best, working as one to inform and educate.
Time spent with young people, learning their fears and their aspirations, helping them deal with life while looking for their path, moments with family, friends, with old acquaintances and new. “Yes, there are minutes I’d like to change; words spoken in haste, in anger, in frustration. And then there are those words spoken in love, in hope, in faith, in efforts to help, to make it better.
“To comfort the hurt, the ill, the frustrated, the lonely. Life is full of moments — and I’m left to ponder: Am I making the most of mine? Are you making the most of yours. Again, in the words of songwriters far more talented than I, it comes down to this: “’My heart beating, my soul breathing I found my life when I laid it down Upward falling, spirit soaring I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.
’” Now nearly 10 years later, I’m thankful to have my eyes wide open not only to the limits of life, but to the possibilities. To know each day — each moment — should be treasured and utilized to its fullest. That despite the bumps in the road, along the way we will find those who can help us “touch the sky.
”.
