Not only did I miss watching the action on the floor during March Madness, but being a sappy guy, I also missed seeing the "One Shining Moment" video montage after the Championship game. This sentimental song plays underneath images of the best moments of the tournament, including spectacular shots and buzzer beaters, memorable moves on the court, camaraderie among players, and passionate expressions of coaches and fans. The style, tempo, and words of the song emotionally affect me as a sports fan and I'm disappointed I couldn't experience a 2020 version. However, I still want us to take a look at a few lyrics from the song and read them from the perspective of our own lives: "But time is short and the road is long in the blinking of an eye – ah, that moment’s gone. And when it’s done win or lose you always did your best cuz inside you knew… that ONE SHINING MOMENT you reached deep inside, ONE SHINING MOMENT you knew you were alive…" I first started listening to this song as a kid and every year I have looked forward to hearing it play after the final game. It reminds me of the years I watched the tournament with my dad and brothers, then with my college buddies, and last year by myself with my pregnant wife sound asleep. Wow, life happens fast...moments are gone quickly...and in the “blinking of an eye” we go through changes. After all, who knew there wouldn't even be an NCAA tournament this year?! We shouldn’t just dwell on how quickly life flies by, but rather seize the moments and the days we do have because as the song says, “time is short.” Even though this quarantine period has felt like it's gone on so long, we'll eventually look back and it will be just a blip of time. As the song says, “you knew you were alive,” so when we embrace that reality and live in our purpose, we can then experience "one shining moments." By realizing "in the blinking of an eye – ah, that moment’s gone," we should take full advantage of the moment and maximize our current status - even if it's a tough time. Don't we want to look back and say we made the best use of this unique opportunity and had a few moments that shined? In Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV), we are challenged to “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Every moment we waste by living unwisely is a missed opportunity. Instead, let's seek God’s will for each day and capture the "one shining moments" as often as we can. Once we do, we can reflect on our lives with joy and thankfulness because our “montage” is filled with memorable moments of God’s goodness and our wise obedience. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for allowing me to enjoy the special moments of life. Please help me to be wise and live a life that reflects You so that I can look back and see Your goodness and faithfulness as I follow Jesus. Help me not to miss out on Your very best. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways are you creating "one shining moments" during these unsettling times?
When you think about life being short, what do you want to do differently and how can you live more wisely?
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