July 30, 2007
Shadows and Dust
As General Maximus Decimus Meridius spurred his legions of troops on to battle he reminded them that their life had purpose and meaning for the future. He said, "What we do in life... echoes in eternity!" Another General of sorts was immortalized this weekend in Cooperstown, NY with much celebration.
In light of this celebration, where newly elected Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr., was inducted, Cal’s speech echoed the sentiment of many with these words, "Today is about celebrating the best that baseball has been and the best it can be." Ripken’s speech contained many inspirational and heartfelt reflections on his career and his impact on the generations to come. He said, "We are the ambassadors for the future. Just as a baseball player wants to make his mark on the game and leave it a little better than he found it, we should all try to make this world a better place for the next generation."
Cal Ripken Jr. also added this perspective on his streak of 2,632 consecutive games played, “As I look out at this audience I see thousands of people who do the same -- teachers, police officers, mothers, fathers, businesspeople and many others. You all may not receive the accolades I have throughout my career, so I'd like to take the time out to salute all of you for showing up, working hard and making the world a better place. Thank you all.” Rather than talk about how great he was for this accomplishment, he chose to elevate those around him to Iron Man status.
While it was wonderful to see baseball’s Iron Man celebrated and to see him in turn remind everyone that people are more important than a game, I couldn’t help but think about shadows and dust. As Gladiator, Maximus, runs off to fight another epic battle in the Coliseum, his master, mentor and friend reminds him of the eventual outcome of worldly glory. Proximo screams out, "We mortals are but shadows and dust. Shadows and Dust Maximus!"
I cannot help but wonder if Cal’s view of the future is one held with a look towards eternity and if his worldly accolades will be celebrated as God’s glory in a good and faithful servant or if they will fall away and he will be separated from his creator. For all the celebrations and thanks in his speech, I never once heard him give thanks to God. Will Cal be glorified in heaven or will he be forgotten as shadows and dust? Will he be an ambassador for Christ or not (2 Corinthians 5:20)? Will he experience the rich fellowship with Jesus Christ or eternal absence? Will you?
Posted by price at July 30, 2007 02:13 PM | TrackBack