Football player's example is inspiring, no matter what your line of work

There is inspiration offered by Brett Favre's performance yesterday in the Minnesota Vikings' 34-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys for a spot in the NFC Championship game next week against New Orleans.

The Vikings' quarterback is 40 years old -- that would be the equivalent of 85 or so in any other line of work. Favre became the first quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game at the age of 40 or more. And his performance was amazing, as he completed 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns -- tying a single-game playoff record.

Like a lot of people, I thought Favre should have retired a long time ago. When he left the Packers, I thought, that should be it. But he wanted to keep playing. When he joined the Vikings last summer, I thought, "this is ridiculous." But I am glad to be proven wrong.

The point is, just when others might think you are all done, you may have your best work in you yet. Just when others would be quitting, you may have a few more years of great work to offer the world. You know your own abilities better than anyone. Don't be discouraged by the norms of convention. Don't let anyone tell you that you are too old, or too anything else -- too short, too inexperienced, too unknown, too scarred -- to do the things you want to do.

Few of us live up to our potential. Those who do really impress others. God has given every one of us tremendous potential. We glorify Him by making the most of it.

Comments

[Jackie Hilgert]

What I like about the Favre example is how, in a culture that prizes youth, it's EXPERIENCE that is proving to be what lifts the quarterback, and his team, above their competition.

[Christina]

A thoughtful post on a hot topic, Tom. Favre definitely had to overcome his share of resistance in continuing to play. And now we Vikings fans are so pleased he did! :)