The Two-Minute Warning

As a life-long sports fan, I have witnessed the urgency of competitors in the final minutes and seconds of contests.  Spectacular performances are routinely accomplished at the last possible gasp.  Teams have specific plays and formations designed for such times, and individuals have tricks in their bags for these particular usages.

Many times, I have wondered why contests are not fought with the same verve throughout.  On the one hand, it is impossible to exert maximum energy for an extended period of time, but the main reason for the great surge in effort at the end of the fight is, of course, that time is running out.  

Frustration is evident on faces as time slips away.  When life ebbs, people may express senses of regret not exhibited in former days.  Time is running out.  We all thought we had more of it.  Frenetic movements may be parts of our last moments.  Desperate attempts to change the outcomes of long-held contests are common.  We didn’t realize how many items were left on the bucket-list until there was too little time to accomplish them.

The victor’s bench erupts with unbridled enthusiasm, as the buzzer sounds.  The truth is that the game didn’t really come down to two minutes, but it seems as though it was won or lost based on last remembrances.  Still, we cannot shake the thoughts of what might have been had we tried harder, practiced longer or studied more film.  The outcome, in some way, depended on the input.  We could not control the setting sun, but we could have made better usage of the clear light of day.

In life, the start is staggered.  One is beginning to live as another is on the eighteenth green.  When the round is finished, it’s time to go home.  Even as one beholds seeming endless horizons, another is shielding his eyes against the relentless glare of mid-day and yet another closing for the night.  Time is always running out for someone.  Life has no set boundaries.  We never really know how much time is left.  The clock cannot be reset for any violation so gamesmanship is necessary in every period.

Scripture tells us to make good use of the present as life holds guarantees few to none.  Jesus said to work in the light of day because no one could work after nightfall.  I have been in the position of haste caused by the sinking sun.  We hurried and dishonored ourselves for not beginning sooner.  Watching the final seconds tick off on my endeavors, there have been moments of joy but many of bitter regret.  Next time will be different if ever again I suit up and take the field.  I hope for another try.    

I remember the excitement of the contest as it loomed on the horizon and the tension at the jump ball, the kickoff, the first pitch.  Now into the second half, my energy is ebbing and, sometimes, I lose sight of the clock.  To win the day, however, I must play with all my remaining energy.  

Many people don’t hear the two-minute warning, and time expires unawares.  Time is running out for someone even now.

Give me the ball.  It may be my last shot.

Sterl