In 20 years, there are 7,300 days, 175,200 hours, 10,512,000 minutes.  That may seem like a long time and at times I would agree it is, but over this summer I’ve heard people say “slow down, 20 years will pass before you know it.”  I know I’ve heard this in the past and I’ve always ignored it, but this summer it finally sunk in and I started to think about it.

• I remember at a younger age, probably 1^st or 2^nd grade, seeing my grandpa sitting in a rocking chair with a cowboy hat on and playing all around him(probably with ninja turtle action figures). 
• I remember in the 5^th grade right before I moved to Virginia from Texas that I accidentally pulled the fire alarm in school and because I was moving I didn’t get in trouble.
• I remember in middle school being in chorus and traveling all across the state for chorus competitions.  The best part is I actually enjoying it.
• I remember when my grandma passed on March 11^th 2002, two days after my birthday.
• I remember making the choice to come to Clemson and saying bye to all my friends in Virginia.
• I remember getting baptized at Newspring.
• I remember my track and field coach passing away while at Clemson.

            All these things I remember seem like it was yesterday, but what about all the things in between.  Of course we remember a lot more than I said, but how much more?  I know it isn’t a lot.  I know for my life a lot of that time was wasted.  I am 21 now and when I’m 40 I don’t want to remember only a few days of my life.  I want to fully rely on God and take chances with my life.  I want my life to be a legacy.  I want my life to more than a memory.  We get one chance and I don’t want to miss it.  The next 20 years of my life will not be taken for granted, they will be my legacy.

Christian Cantwell is one of the best shot putters in the world, if not the best. Perhaps we will find out in a few weeks during the Olympics. Cantwell was recently interviewed and I was shocked and yet I found myself respecting him so much more. If anyone watches the Olympics they usually watch the opening ceremonies and watch the team’s parade in. Well Cantwell has opted not to walk with the United States team that night, and before you say “he’s not representing our country” why don’t you look at it from his view.

Cantwell says

“I’m not going to the opening ceremonies. It’s too much walking and waiting and energy used to do that. I mean, I heard the opening ceremonies are four to five hours of just standing and waiting and the heat and all that. It doesn’t really sound like a good time to me. I’ll go out and practice during that time, should be a good time to.”

He is going to practice during this time, and focus on the reason he is at the Olympics. He there for one thing. To meet his goal he has set for himself and win. He isnt there for the show. He isn’t there for the social aspect of the games. He is going to give it everything he has and leave nothing behind. I would be willing to bet he is representing his country more than others. He did not make the 2004 Olympic team and he going to make sure that he does everything he can and not end up regretting anything.

He is focused. He will not let anything distract him. He sees the prize and he is going after it.

What are representing?

Are you getting distracted?

Are you focused?

Our fathers love is unbelievable.  He will be there for us when we fall.  He will be by our side.  He will pick us up and because of him we will finish.  If God is our father we will never have to worry about trying to finish without him by our side.