Life's Game Plan
This young boy was still the smallest of his class when he entered
highschool.
But his father continued to encourage him but also
made it very clear that he did not have to play
football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved
football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to
try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get
to play when he became a senior.
All through high school he never missed a practice
nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years.
His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words
of encouragement for him. When the young man went to
college, he decided to try out for the football team as a
"walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the
cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the
roster because he always puts his heart and soul into every
practice and, at the same time, provided the other members
with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.
The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him
so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and
called his father. His father shared his excitement and was
sent season tickets for all the college games.
This persistent young athlete never missed practice
during his four years at college, but he never got
to play in the game.
It was the end of his senior football season,
and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly
before the big play off game, the coach met him with a
Telegram.
The young man read the telegram and became deathly silent.
Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father
died this morning.
Will it be all right if I miss practice today?" The coach
put his arm gently around his shoulder and said,
"Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't
even plan to come to the game on Saturday."
Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well.
In the third quarter, when the team was ten points
behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the
empty locker room and put on his football gear.
As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his
players were astounded to see their faithful teammate
back so soon. "Coach, please let me play.
I've just got to play today," said the young man.
The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no
way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game.
But the young man persisted, and finally, feeling
sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he
said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and
everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes.
This little unknown, who had never played before was
doing everything right.
The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he
passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team
began to triumph. The score was soon tied.
In the closing seconds of the game, the kid intercepted
a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.
The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto
their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard!
Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team
had showered and left the locker room, the coach
noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the
corner all alone. The coach came to him and said,
"Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell
me what got into you? How did you do it?"
He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and
said. "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know
that my dad was blind?"
The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile,
"Dad came to all my games, but today was the first
time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him
I could do it!"
SO REMEMBER RIGHT NOW:
Somebody is very proud of you.
Somebody is thinking of you.
Somebody is caring about you.
Somebody misses you.
Somebody wants to talk to you.
Somebody wants to be with you.
Somebody hopes you are not in trouble.
Somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.
Somebody wants to hold your hand.
Somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
Somebody wants you to be happy.
Somebody thinks you ARE a gift.
Somebody admires your strength.
Somebody can't wait to see you.
Somebody loves you for who you are.
Somebody treasures your spirit.
Somebody is glad that you are their friend.
Somebody wants to get to know you better.
Somebody wants to be near you.
Somebody wants you to know they are there for you.
Somebody would do anything for you.
Somebody wants to share their dreams with you.
Somebody is alive because of you.
Somebody needs your support.
Somebody will cry when they read this.
Somebody needs you to have faith in them.
Somebody trusts you.
Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.
SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU TO SEND THIS TO THEM.
Many people will walk in and out of your life but
only true friends will leave footprints on your heart
