Facing the Giants

Yesterday was championship Sunday in the NFL playoffs. The New England Patriots continued on their quest for an undefeated season beating the San Diego Chargers 21-12 in the AFC Championship game and earned their place in Super Bowl XLII. The NFC Championship game was held in historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI with the favored Packers taking on the New York Giants.

There were many sideline stories to this game. Brett Favre, the certain first ballot future hall of fame quarterback, was playing in his 17th year with the youngest team in the league. The Packers have compiled a 18-3 record dating back to December of last season. Ryan Grant, the new star running back for the Packers, just had a career game the week before against the Seattle Seahawks where he set Packer playoff records with 3 rushing touchdowns and 201 yards gained. Ryan Grant, incidently, was on the Giants roster on September 1st of this year before he was traded to the Packers for a 6th round 2008 draft pick.

Favre, Grant, and the Packer offense never really got in sync during the game despite a 90 yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver, also a Packer playoff record, for a 10-6 lead at halftime. The Giants offense chewed up the clock and the yards most of the game. With 4 lead changes, it was looking like whoever ended up with the ball last would win the game. The Giants had several chances to take the lead late, but two missed field goals ended regulation time tied 20-20. Only one other time has the NFC Championship game gone into overtime.

The Packers won the coin toss and took first possession. On the second play, Favre had his pass intercepted by cornerback Corey Webster. 3 plays later, Lawrence Tynes redeemed himself for the earlier missed field goals with a 47 yarder with less than 3 minutes elapsed to win the game 23-20. This was the Giants' 10th consecutive road win and earned them a spot in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.

What does all of this have to do with building wealth or the meaning of life? Many things. First, the inexperience of the young Packers showed up many times when they didn't execute their game plan well and failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented. You have to make the most of opportunities. Also, despite having great players on both sides of the game, many times things are decided by the little things in life. Little mistakes can mean much bigger consequences later with investing and with relationships. Also, is there any better feeling than that of redemption? Ask Lawrence Tynes.

No matter what your past is, the most important day of your life is today, and every day after that.

Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 (NASB)

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