“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand watching what’s going on, you’re wasting your life,” — Jackie Robinson.

Jackie Robinson was one of my favorite heroes. He opened the door of opportunity for everyone in his race.

He did it by being a participant in athletics, and even more so, in the game of life.

He lettered in track, baseball, basketball and football at UCLA. He served in the U.S. Army and was active and fought for equal rights during and after his discharge.

In 1947, he broke the color barrier in baseball, being the first black man to play Major League baseball.

After his playing days were over, he refused to be a spectator in the game of life. He used his God-given talents and became a successful businessman.

He continued to be an example to others in his race by not being satisfied as a spectator, but challenged everyone to be active in the game of life.

I feel that Jackie would be disappointed in today’s America. With the presidential election less than three-and-a-half months away, it’s predicted that less than 50 percent of registered voters will exercise their right to vote.

I have a hard time understanding their decision not to participate in the Democratic process.

Did Jackie die in vain?

I don’t think so.

He was an example of being an active, productive participant in the game of life. That should challenge everyone not to be only a spectator, but a participant in life and hopefully make a difference.

My prayer for my family is that their lives aren’t spent watching the world go by without participating.        

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.