On New Year's Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played the University of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game, Roy Reigels recovered a fumble for California. He somehow become confused, and started running in the wrong direction. He ran 65 yards before one of his own teammates overtook him and tackled him. When California attempted to punt, Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety, which was the ultimate margin of victory.

This critical play came in the first half. At halftime, the players sat on benches and on the floor. Reigels retreated to a corner, put his head in his hands and wept over his costly mistake.

There was no halftime pep talk. The coach was quiet. When it was time to hit the field, the coach said, "Men, the same team that started the first half will start the second half."

The players trotted out to the field, all but Reigels. The coach called, but Reigels stayed put. Reigels said, "Coach, I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've ruined the school and the team. I can't face that crowd." Then the coach reached out and put his hand on Reigels' shoulder and said, "Roy, get up and get out there; the game is only half over."

If we are going to achieve our highest potential in Christian growth, we have to learn how to bounce back from failure, quit feeling sorry for ourselves, and press forward instead of looking backward.

Just because you've failed doesn't make you a failure. Keep the big picture in mind. This mistake was just one blip on a bigger screen. As they say in Texas, "It doesn't matter how much milk you spill as long as you don't lose the cow."

[Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The church family meets at 352 McDonough Road and invites you to join them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. this Sunday. Visit them on the Web at www.mcdonoughroad.org.]