The Starting Line

Last night, our Baptist Association held the 30th Annual Men's Banquet. The meal was great and close to 250 men attended.

Dr. Joe McKeever was the speaker. He is one of the most interesting people I know. He has pastored several churches, his last pastorate was First Baptist Kenner, LA. He is a cartoonist. He drew a picture of my son Jared that was an amazing likeness. It only took him about 2 minutes to do so.

Dr. McKeever's sermon was on the subject of "Starting Something." No matter what great accomplishments have been achieved, they all have one thing in common--someone started them.

As some wise guy in the past said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

While a large portion of our nation awaits the Super Bowl, which matches the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, many people do not know the name of the first professional football player in the United States.

An article on Wikipedia states that "The origin of professional football can be traced back to 1892, with William "Pudge" Heffelfinger's $500 contract to play in a game for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club."

Ole "Pudge" never knew what he was starting. Also, he never dreamed that his $500 agreement to play one game would equal what some current NFL players earn when one second ticks off of the game clock. However, "Pudge" started it.

As I begin this day, I realize that we all have the opportunity to start something new. I took a walk this morning before daylight and I enjoyed watching the world wake up. For me, the question is what can I start that God could use to really make a difference in this "sleepy" community.

I know everything must start with God. The opening words of the Bible are, "In the beginning God.." So, we must start with prayer, which connects us to Him.

As I pray, I remember there are many folks that are starting to battle some real problems. Yesterday, a friend of mine was told his wife has cancer. What a start to a journey.

However, let us remember whenever we start something for God we start it with Him. He is the God who came from nowhere, stood on nothing, and created everything.

Today, start with God.