Joe Paterno

“Every man is entitled to be valued by his best moments.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Joe Paterno certainly had his share of good moments as head football coach at Penn State. In addition to that, Paterno will be remembered by many as a generous man who donated a fortune to good causes. He was also a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He mentored many young men, equipping them to succeed in life as well as on the football field.

However, many people will remember Joe Paterno for a serious mistake that he made late in life. While it would be nice to be remembered by our best moments, the damage we can cause with our worst moments can be quite harmful to our legacy. This underscores the importance of keeping our focus to the very end.

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”—Colossians 1:28-29.