The Prayer of a 98-Year Old Coach

Coach John Wooden, who piloted the UCLA Bruin basketball team to so many championships, is 98 this year. He eats at the same restaurant every day, writes his deceased wife a letter every month on the date of their anniversary, and keeps in touch with his many friends and admirers. Wooden stopped driving last year, and has had some health problems, but since he had two more years before his license expired, he recently decided he would live to 100. Here's what the old coach has to say about life and death: "The years have left their imprint -- on my hands and on my face -- erect no longer is my walk and slower is my pace, but there is no fear within my heart because I am growing old; I only wish I had more time to better serve my Lord. When I've gone to him in prayer he has brought me inner peace, and soon my cares and worries and other problems cease. He's helped me in so many ways, he's never let me down, why should I fear the future when soon I could be near his ground. Though I know down here my time is short, there is endless time up there and he will forgive and keep me forever in his love and care." (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/arash_markazi/10/27/wooden..., October 28, 2008)