Too often, we get so busy that we take things for granted. This is especially true when we are younger and think that we have all the time in the world.
Sometimes, it takes a tragedy to remind us of how short life really is, but it really shouldn’t. We should always appreciate each and every moment we have on this Earth.
Recently, Wake Forest basketball coach Steve Forbes used an hourglass he keeps in his office to remind his players how quickly life passes. And it’s the kind of reminder that people of any age and at any stage in life should try to heed.
“You guys have seen that in my office. It’s been in my office since I got the head job here,” Steve Forbes told his players. “It’s a symbol of your career, and of your season. Turn over this hourglass and watch the sand do what? Fall. This is how quickly the next six months are going to go. For you, your teammates, and this team.
“For some of you, this will be the final grain of sand that falls for your college career, because it’ll be over. So embrace the hard, cherish the reps, enjoy the time in the locker room with your teammates, take advantage of the road trips on the bus, on the plane. These are things you’re never ever going to get back. Be where your feet are.”
Steve Forbes’ message applies to more than just college basketball players
While Forbes was talking to his basketball players about their college sports careers, what he said could apply to just about anyone.
“That’s a big problem for young people,” Steve Forbes continued. “Don’t think about what happened yesterday. Don’t worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Embrace today. Because once today is over it’s never coming back.”
Forbes went on to explain that they don’t get to start over after their time in college ends. He said his greatest worry as a coach is that in five or ten years, one of his players will come to him and say, “Coach, I would have been a better player if you had just coached me a little bit harder.”
“Because I know this: your time is short. I know how important it is to you and your family,” he added. “Before you know it, it’s going to be February or March. Practices will be gone, games will be over, and for some of you, your college career will be done.
“The sand is already falling. Don’t waste it. Don’t wish it away. Don’t leave any regrets. Make every grain of that sand count.”
Truly words to try and live by, no matter who you are.