4th Quarter in the Game (poem)

Ok, the big game has come and gone. As with any big game, the build-up to game day is longer than the game itself. Then, in a flash, the climaxes, especially those exhilarating ones in the 4th quarter, are over …gone, done, a quickly fading memory.

Similarly, the game of life has what should be an exciting 4^th quarter; replete with exciting climaxes to a life well lived.

Are you approaching or perhaps already in the 4^th quarter of your life’s game? Then join me in counting your blessings, considering the millions who never experience walking this part of our trail.  

As in a sporting game, the first 3 quarters of our lives have been the build-up to this 4^th quarter, anticipating a myriad of climaxes, much like the glorious heights reached by exploding fireworks. Suddenly, they burst on the scene, ‘exploding’ in all their glory… retirement parties, grandchildren, long-delayed professional recognitions and send-offs, and the launch of retirement dreams, peaceful times away from the world of work, time to pursue a hobby, etc. As fast as they exploded, it may seem the bursts of glory are too quickly over. Then what?

Like a parent watching a race in which his/her child is running, I imagine God watches to see us cross the line that begins our 4^th quarter. I believe He wants the world, your spectators, to see and to know what He already knows, namely how well you will finish the race that has been set before you! Will it be ho-hum, with more of the same stuff you tolerated and dished out to people during the first 3 quarters, or an invitation to Him into previously closed-off areas of your life, to do something significantly different and glorious …for eternal benefit? He already knows what you and others will come to know as each day unfolds.

Many people staunchly reject the very notion of changing gears or tracks, and getting on a more contemplative/reflective/service-oriented track during any quarter in their lives. Rather than embrace an awaiting 4^th quarter, perhaps they live an extended 3^rd quarter experience, continuing their push to increase their bottom line moneywise, working for ‘things that do not satisfy [or last]’ (Isaiah 55:2) until a debilitation sets in that prohibits their further push, or until their departure from this life.

While pondering the blessing of my own 4^th quarter experience, it became clear what we may call the 4^th quarter of life is really the end of the 3^rd quarter of God’s design for life. The 2^nd and 3^rd quarters are life in vitro, followed by life on earth. These experiences are sandwiched between the 1^st and 4^th quarter of His design, namely a pre- and post-eternity experience. Sounds odd? The Bible refers to God as ‘the Father of all spirits’ (Hebrews 12:9), from whom all human spirits come and to whom they certainly shall return.

Toward the end of the 3^rd quarter, a good coach carefully reassesses and adjusts the team’s line-up and tactics to enhance its chances for a winning 4^th quarter. If you are blessed to reach this far in the game of life, rest assured great Grace has been extended to you for this exact purpose. I hope you will join me in recognizing, and will not squander this tremendous opportunity.

Psalm 138:8 reports, ‘The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.’ Could much of this perfecting work possibly occur in our 4^th quarter of life, especially if we have spent much of the first 3 quarters pursuing what Jesus called mammon, and dealing with the steady onset of cares of this world? If so, the 4^th quarter should see our greater availability for Him to complete this perfecting work. Otherwise, I wonder if Heaven may have the equivalent of ‘make up’ classes’. ;o)

Here are some good tips from a wise man on the run-up to your 4^th quarter. As you read, consider what if we failed to follow his wise advice during the first 3 quarters of life?

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw near when you say,

‘I have no pleasure in them’:

While the sun and the light,

The moon and the stars, are not darkened,
And the clouds do not return after the rain.

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed,
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave (fathered) it.

(Solomon, Ecclesiastes 12)

One of my 4th quarter wishes:

Someone is being encouraged (by me).

Someone is being helped.

Someone is being urged,

To tighten his/her spiritual belt.