Be Where Your Feet Are

Sometimes a statement that seems simple can carry a great message when you think about it.  “Be where your feet are” is a common saying of my favorite football coach.  Of course, in his world of football, it means to dwell in the present.  If a player has a bad play, he stresses to them to not let that play continue to distract them mentally and thereby cause the next play to be a bad one.  The game is made up of many plays.  In a sense, each play is an individual game.  The player is to play each play individually.  Win this play.  Then win the next play.  Play the game one play at a time.  Play in the moment.  Be where your feet are.

Similarly, there is really a powerful message for us in life.  Play one play at a time.  Life is made up of days.  The Psalmist tells us to number our days (Psalms 90:12).  We would do well to live our lives one day at a time.  And strive to win each day.  Don’t let yesterday ruin today.  And by the same token, tomorrow’s concerns can ruin today as well.

Paul had many bad things in his past on which he could dwell.  I am sure he remembered his days of persecuting GOD’S people.  Yet he writes to the Philippian church, “…forgetting those things which are behind…”  (Philippians 3:13)  I think Paul would have agreed with the “Be where your feet are” idea.

On the other hand, James urges us to be careful when making plans for tomorrow.  James 4:13 reads, “Come now, you who say ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.”  I think James would have liked the “Be where your feet are” sentiment as well.

The idea is live today.  One can’t change the past.  We all have regrets.  But the blood of Jesus Christ can forgive our mistakes of yesterday.  According to Jeremiah 31:34, GOD remembers them no more. 

Let us make the most of today.  Let us “Be where our feet are” today.

My other favorite coach also had a saying that is in line with today’s thoughts.  Coach Bryant carried the following poem in his wallet.

This is the beginning of a new day.  GOD has given me this day to use as I will.  I can waste it or use it for good.  What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.  When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it.  I want it to be gain, not loss – good, not evil – success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.

Be where your feet are today.  Make the most of today’s opportunities.  Win this day.