The NCAA brackets have been officially released, and the games begin Tuesday night. If you’re like me, you can’t wait to watch all the action and experience game after game throughout the tournament. What strikes me as unfortunate, however, is how quickly we blow past the conference tournaments that took place over the weekend. Even though winning four games in four days and knocking off familiar opponents from your league is a huge deal, there's no time to soak in the victories. Auburn got hot from three and took home the SEC Championship; Duke looked impressive on their way to winning the ACC Championship, and Michigan State had an impressive comeback to knock off Michigan to win the Big 10 Championship. All such tournament wins hold great significance for schools across the country, but everyone quickly moves on to the “Big Dance” and soon forgets the important accomplishments of the conference championships. It seems to me, there needs to be a little more time for celebration. Instead of shifting the attention so quickly, shouldn't there be some emphasis placed on these outstanding wins? Shouldn't coaches allow their teams to pause and recognize what just happened before thinking about what's next? Of course, I understand teams are playing for a National Championship and need to get ready and stay focused, but they rush through and move on too quickly. Doesn't that sound a lot like us in our own lives? The truth is, most of us don't take the time to appreciate the blessings we experience each day. We’re always thinking about starting the next thing on our to-do list or landing the next deal or taking on the next project. We’re already planning the next move or the next kid or the next vacation without embracing the joy in our present situation or reflecting on what just happened. As followers of Jesus, I believe we should always live with gladness and thankfulness – pausing in the present to acknowledge the blessings we've already been given…instead of worrying about what’s next. March will just fly by if we don’t appreciate all of the amazing moments that lead to the National Championship...and the same will happen in our own lives. It's important to celebrate each win along the way while also continually praising God for our ultimate victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) tells us, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." As we think about the now instead of the next, let’s ask God to open our eyes to see what He’s done and is doing, and allow us to look around with joy and thanksgiving for today. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not appreciating the many blessings You give me each day. Please help me to slow down and be aware of all You’re doing in the present, so I can live with joy and thankfulness. Please help me not to get so wrapped up in what’s next, and miss out on what’s happening now. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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