Blessed2Bless by Steve Klusmeyer

      Never Too Old
      to Play the Real Game
      by Steve Klusmeyer - 1/20/2003

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      image of Label

      Labeled for Life

      Over the Hill, Reached His Peak, Seen Better Days, Too Old, and the list goes on. Such labels are attached to many today - especially pro-athletes. I can identify with them. Not for my athletic ability (although I did play a fairly mean game of softball in my time), but in reaching an age when those titles are often automatically associated with the person in question. After all, I have been around for more than half-a-century now.

      Not Out Yet

      I was reminded of this tendency while watching the NFL playoffs this weekend. I'm not a big Raider's fan, but I have been a fan of Jerry Rice since his days with the 49ers. By the way, he's been around for over four decades now (almost two of those in the NFL). It was probably the salary-cap, but for whatever reason, the 49ers released Rice in June 2001. I read that they offered him a million dollars to retire. But he wasn't ready to retire - he wanted to play; and now he is going to Super Bowl XXXVII with a team who was willing to give him a chance.

      It's always a pleasure to see someone get back up and succeed after being called down for the count. You may have heard of a few more of these old guys:

      Michael Jordan (40 next month), who may not be able to win the game by himself anymore, but still managed to score 32 points (28 in the first half) in the Wizards win over the Magic last week.

      Lee Johnson (41), who was released by the Patriots in October 2001 and had not punted again in the NFL until December 2002, when the Eagles picked him up to replace the replacement for their injured punter. Johnson was an important element as the Eagles fell just one step short of the Super Bowl this year.

      Bill Elliott (46), Randy Johnson (39), Emmit Smith (33), and Pete Sampras (32) are only a few that could be added to this over-the-hill bunch.

      image of Screen Bean character holding Trophie

      Still In the Game

      You don't have to be involved in sports to feel the effects of this mindset. Many have been downsized, forced into early retirement, or just let go to make way for their younger counterparts. It's said that they no longer have anything to offer, are no longer valuable, and are not in step with the times. But life neither ends nor begins at ______ (fill in the blank). Whatever your age, you are never too old to play the real game. The real game is not defined by our job description or by the initials before or after our name. The real game is still going on. You may have changed teams or positions. And you may sit on the bench a little longer. But you are still in the game.

      Playbook For Life

      It's hard to be successful in the game if you don't know the plays. Maybe you feel like you aren't even in the huddle anymore. Are you struggling and looking for answers? Do you have questions about your life and future? Find answers to your questions in Tips for Better Living.



      Copyright © 2002 ... to infinity, and beyond — Steve Klusmeyer. All rights reserved.