WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT

Unquestionably, the dominant hero of my childhood was number 7, center fielder for the New York Yankees, Mickey Mantle. The greatest switch-hitter of all time, he was perhaps the most exciting baseball player ever to watch. He holds the Guinness world record for the longest home run in history, as well as recording the fastest time from home plate to first base. Every time he stepped up to bat, anything could happen. But...he possessed a dark side.

Living in constant pain with Osteomyelitis, as well as other crippling injuries, "The Mick" never had a healthy season. He chose to numb his pain by consuming large amounts of alcohol and chasing women. I'm glad I didn't know that as a boy. It would have crushed my world. In 1968, I met Mickey when he came to Seattle to promote a major league franchise. After the crowd dispersed, my dad and I hung out with him, conversing for about 15 minutes, obtaining autographs, and the picture above. It was one of the greatest days of my life. 

Mickey Mantle died on August 13, 1995 from cirrhosis of the liver. Per his request, at his funeral Roy Clark sang "Yesterday When I Was Young", an anthem of squandered youth and wasted potential. Friends reported that Mantle often cried from regret when he listened to the lyrics. A haunting line from the tune declares, "I never stopped to think what life was all about", which seems to epitomize Mantle's life.  

I don't share this to depress anyone, but to challenge us. Perched on the precipice of a new year, perhaps we should ask ourselves, "What is life all about?" Mickey Mantle possessed everything the world offers: fame, fortune, popularity and talent; but it failed to fulfill his deepest longings. In interviews, Mantle at times confessed he had wasted his life. 

Mark Twain penned these words: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." Toward the end of his life, Mantle finally realized what life is all about, and made peace with God. Life is a gift-- don't waste it! In 2019, live each day to the fullest, and experience real life -- the abundant life God intends for all of us, by honoring God and serving him (Eccl.12:13). That truly is what life is all about.