“Everyone has an expiration date.” This is a term I have used for years describing students, employees, friends, and acquaintances that come and go.
As a martial arts instructor, I realize that most of my students will leave at some point. Some move away. Some find other passions or interests. Others have life challenges that interfere with their training. Whatever the reason, everyone has an expiration date.
What keeps me up at night is the thought, that I haven’t done enough before they “expire”. I started teaching martial arts because of the impact it had on my life and I wanted to impact the lives of others the same way.
Most nights I realize I didn’t do enough- so many missed opportunities. I think of the things I should have said, the things I should have done differently….I think of the things I didn’t do at all. Each day is an opportunity to impact someones life, and most days I fall short.
One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Each day I run, sometimes in the wrong direction! I am blessed to have many great friends who have pour into my life and keep me on the right track
Each day I fight, often just beating the air. I am fortunate to have many great mentors in my life that continue to teach me how to fight the good fight.
Each day I am reminded that everyone has an expiration date, I will keep running and keep fighting until mine arrives.
See you on the mat!
Coach Epps
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