The Minnesota Vikings are celebrating a last second play that prevented an incredible comeback by the Pittsburgh Steelers last night.

Leading by a score of 29-0 late in the 3rd quarter, the Vikings had the game well in hand.

It took a broken pass in their end zone, however, that finally sealed the victory 38-29.

That’s why every game must be played.

Because YOU NEVER KNOW.

And that’s why EVERY DAY MUST BE LIVED BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW.

My wife’s grandfather used to say, “I’d like to live longer so I could see how this all turns out!”

The beginning of each day has an uncertain ending.

It’s another important chapter in the storybook of of our lives.

Give today your best effort because YOU NEVER KNOW!

If not today, when?

We know in many instances that LIFE IS UNFAIR!

The pandemic is a good example.

It affects or could affect every living person on earth.

And how about drought in one area and unbearable flooding in another?

And how about a few people who are born rich while most are born poor?

Despite all these various examples, YOU AND I CAN HELP MAKE THINGS RIGHT!

We can practice FAIRNESS every day in our treatment of other people.

We can leave this world, with all its flaws, a BETTER PLACE!

Let us every day in every way stress NOT OUR DIFFERANCES, but what WE HAVE IN COMMON.

If not today, when?

The ultimate child prodigy, he began composing music at the age of 5.

Thirty years later, upon his death, he had composed well over 600 works of music. If you do the math, that comes to an average of 20 original compositions per year which included major symphonies and operas such as “Figaro” and “The Magic Flute.”

Like all of us, he had to overcome many challenges throughout his life.

His father never really approved of him and they were estranged at his father’s passing.

He suffered poverty off and on and yet was in demand to perform in the palaces of royalty.

Although he and his wife had many children, most died shortly after their births.

There was much jealousy in the hearts of other composers because of his popularity.

He died at the age of 35 of pneumonia in 1791.

Yet, worldwide audiences still enjoy his gift of music in its many forms.

Yes, HE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

STRIVE TO BE POSITIVE-Be a realistic optimist–they pay close attention to their negative problems, but focus on those that can be solved.

LEARN FROM YOUR CHALLENGES-You have faced similar problems. Draw upon those experiences to solve the current problem.

HAVE ROLE MODELS OF RESILIENCE-Franklin Delano Roosevelt had polio. He became President and led America through WWII.

FIND YOUR MORAL CENTER-As Mark Twain said, “You can’t go wrong by doing the right thing!”

HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE-Have a passion, something to live for.

USE HUMOR DURING STRESSFUL TIMES-A sense of humor is always valuable, especially during the present time. (Chasing Life)

TOUGHEN UP!!

If not today, when?

Do you spend most of your time thinking of the future or your past?

Fortunately or unfortunately, your past defines you up to today.

Because we still live in a free country, you can do or become whatever you wish.

Provided, however, that you’re willing to pay the price for a future that far exceeds your past.

And your past may be a real detriment to gaining a better future.

I know many people who have not successfully overcome their past and never will.

How about you?

Is your past life a launching pad for an even greater future?

Or, will you linger in a regrettable past that weighs you down?

Your yesterdays, good or bad, are behind you.

Live in the possibilities of a better today and tomorrow!

If not today, when?

It’s just another indicator of a society in decline.

We’re seeing more and more copycats breaking into retail stores and taking whatever they want.

I blame a lot of it on people in high places who lie to get what they want.

There are bad examples of people misbehaving everywhere.

So, how is the next generation going to behave when they see their mentors going down the wrong path?

If you are a parent, you are a primary influencer of your children.

Don’t walk away from your responsibility to show and teach your kids what’s right and wrong.

We must save this country one family at a time!

Stand up for AMERICA!

If not today, when?

Because of all the changes brought about by Covid, we have had to adapt to new habits.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

As a simple example:

One of our grandsons was a lifeguard this summer, but he had never become a member of a swim team.

Until today!

In his first high school meet, he had a first and second place finish!

And he really enjoyed the camaraderie and team spirit of his 40 teammates.

You never know about trying something new until you decide to take a chance.

Try it! You’ll like it!

If not today, when?

We are all susceptible to Covid!

For the first time, at least in my lifetime, every person on earth is concerned about the same thing.

There is a commonality that is shared by all.

So, why do we continue to dwell on the differences between the races and ethnicities?

We all want to give and receive LOVE.

We all want to enjoy GOOD HEALTH.

We all want to be SAFE FROM HARM.

We all want to be RESPECTED.

We all want PERSONAL FREEDOM.

We all want ADEQUATE FOOD AND DRINK.

So, you see, we are all related!

After the shooting at Oxford High School in Oxford Michigan,, the father of TATE MYRE went looking for him at a Meijer Store where all the kids had run to.

He couldn’t find him in the store and suddenly realized TATE wouldn’t be running away from the shooter, but towards him.

He wouldn’t hesitate to try to save the lives of his classmates.

And he was one of four students who died that day.

He was an honor student and a terrific football player at the school with a bright future both academically and athletically.

Our grandson is a high school football player who knew Tate.

He asked us this question, “Why does this kind of thing have to happen during my generation?”

What is your answer?

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga have sung together for ten years.

At his present age of 95, he suffers from an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s Disease.

When, however, he sits down at the piano, the familiar Tony Bennett re-emerges.

So, it is his reaction to THE FAMILIAR that triggers something in his brain that permits him to play and sing.

Like Tony, we all have a need for THE FAMILIAR.

Our greatest need is to have FAMILIAR PEOPLE in our lives.

When a FAMILIAR person passes away, we feel the loss.

We also feel comfort in FAMILIAR PLACES and with FAMILIAR TRADITIONS.

Millions of our fellow citizens travel every year at Thanksgiving time to enjoy THE FAMILIAR.

FAMILIARITY can be a great source of joy!