It’s September–You Know What To Do!

by Andy Oldham

A win would keep us undefeated and hand a loss to the best team in the state. Our long snapper had been hurt and the coach called me to snap the ball to our kicker. I had practiced it many times, but had never hiked it in a game. Placing my hands over the ball, I grew anxious. I knew I had to get this right, or it could mean defeat. When intimidation arrived in the form of a relentless taunt, I recalled what Coach had taught me—focus. Over and over, a huge nose guard assured me that I could never get the ball to the punter. His big hairy forearm swung back and forth. Provocation grew to the point I was determined to knock this guy to his backside once the ball was hiked. You know what? I did just that! I was satisfied! But then, he got up laughing and pointing at the ball, which had landed about 5 feet behind me. My focus had shifted from what I was called on to do by an obstacle that took my eyes off the purpose. When I returned to the bench I was mortified and stood as far away from the team as I could. I had let them down. Third down arrived once more. 

Coach came and stood by me. Anticipating another punt he said, “Get ready to get back out there.”

“But Coach . . !”

“You know what to do, now go do it!”

How often do we feel like we have let each other down? Failure is a very personal adversary, especially when we feel like we have let God down. We don’t want to get back in the game. But the Holy Spirit is not letting you get off that easy. He has guided you, He has taught you, and He has promised you he would be by your side. Don’t let the swinging forearm of satan intimidate you into losing focus on your calling. If you do lose focus, remember, you know what to do! Now, get up, and get back out there. Let’s make September a win for God and our team!

Andy Oldham is the founder and co-creator of Christian Grandfather Magazine. He received his B.A. in religious studies and education from Anderson University. He has served as pastor to senior adults, and fills pulpits when needed. Andy taught memoir classes at the local library and after writing his personal memoirs wrote Everlasting Cronies, a story of growing up in rural Louisiana. His inspirational column in the Northside Sun Newspaper was well received by his community. A poem, Winters Grace has been honored in first place, by the Mississippi Poetry Society. He and his wife, Barbara, have six grandchildren and enjoy retirement in Mississippi.

New York Times Feature Photo