As a proud Tar Heel, I have read biographies on UNC greats such as Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and most recently the late ESPN personality, Stuart Scott.
"Stu" was the coolest ESPN personality when I was growing up. I loved when he used his famous catchphrase booyah, and, of course, when he openly cheered for the Tar Heels.
Stu died in 2015 after a seven-year battle with cancer. Throughout his challenging treatments (58 infusions of chemotherapy), he was still often on-air.
In reading his biography, I was struck by his fight against cancer and his attitude toward death. He didn't sit back and wait for cancer to take his life but chose to work out after each chemo treatment and live life to the fullest.
"You beat cancer, by continuing to live. By refusing to be just a cancer patient," Scott said.
As we watch the ESPYS this week, and they promote the Jimmy V Foundation, we can glean a lot from the countless cancer stories of people like Stuart Scott.
These inspirational stories tell of conscious choices to live each day to the fullest - up until the very end. They include people who cut out what doesn’t really matter, refuse to be lazy, and work hard to maximize the time they have left.
Unfortunately, to have this kind of mentality it often takes something life-altering like getting cancer. But the truth is, life is short and each day and moment matters. God has put us on this earth to know Him personally, so every day is a new opportunity to experience His love and grace.
When we acknowledge God's significant purpose for us each day, our perspective changes - especially when we're feeling down or weak or stuck.
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
As we live for Him and seek to do His will, let’s be encouraged by 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP): "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord , being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted .”
While we’re still here today, let’s live to maximize our time, talents, and treasures for God’s glory. We know He won’t waste anything we do for Him and His purposes, so let’s live life to the fullest…booyah!
I’m Matt Schneider and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me know in a gut-level way that You are with me and have a great purpose for my life. Teach me to do my best for You while trusting You completely. Please help me fight when I am weak and trust Your plan when I can't fight anymore. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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