The Michigan Wolverines won the CFP National Championship on Monday 34-14 over the Washington Huskies, finishing their season 15-0. It was an impressive season all around, and they proved to be convincing champions with their stout defense and dominating rushing attack. The story of head coach Jim Harbaugh and Michigan is a fascinating one with many layers: he's a former Michigan player...was asked a few years ago to take a pay cut...was suspended for six games this year...and he’s continued to remain associated with potential NFL head coaching jobs. With the season ending on Monday night, the speculation heated up with the question immediately presented to Harbaugh (and discussed on every sports show), “What’s next?” When asked about his future (would he want to add winning a Super Bowl) during his postgame press conference, Harbaugh’s response was, "I just want to enjoy this. I just want to enjoy this...I hope you give me that...Can a guy have that? Does it always have to be what's next, what's the future?" We quickly move on in sports, and it always seems to be about the next game, the next season, the next championship, and the next job. Fans and media continually want to know what's next instead of allowing players and coaches time to enjoy, celebrate, appreciate, rest, and savor the championship. That same mentality can seep into our lives, as well - especially while busy with activities and moving from one to the other. My 4-year-old daughter is always asking, “What are we doing after...?” And, I’m also guilty when constantly thinking about what’s next for UNPACKIN’ it. Of course, there comes a time to move forward, and planning and preparing is a part of our lives, but Harbaugh is right to ask, “Does it always have to be what's next, what's the future?" We need to pause, enjoy things, rest, remember, reflect, and savor the special moments we experience. Especially as followers of Jesus, we must be intentional about celebrating answered prayers, being still long enough to enjoy God’s presence, praising Him for His faithfulness as we acknowledge all He’s done, and truly soaking in the time we spend with His people. Too often God answers prayers and we quickly move on to what’s next instead of enjoying the blessing, being truly thankful, and honoring Him for His kindness, power, and goodness. Psalm 46:10 (AMP) encourages us to “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 95:2-3 (NLT) says, “Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.” As Harbaugh said, "I just want to enjoy this.” In the New Year, let’s also make an effort to be present and enjoy God, and appreciate all that He's given us, especially Christ. We have much to be thankful for and a great deal to celebrate! I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not pausing long enough to enjoy You and the wonderful blessings You’ve given me. Help me to be filled with gratitude as I celebrate Your faithfulness and goodness. I pray that I wouldn’t be so focused on what’s next, but rather be present in the moment and always aware of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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