Note: This was originally published 10 years ago- and is still a good formula for enjoying each day we receive as a gift.There is a character archetype in literature often referred to as the Hemingway Hero. This figure, inspired by Hemingway’s life and characters, is someone who endures purely for the sake of endurance. He pushes forward not out of virtue or belief in something greater, but simply for the sake of persevering. In this, he finds a form of strength, a gritty determination that celebrates endurance for its own sake.
Hemingway wasn’t the first to capture this. Existentialists like Sartre and Camus built entire philosophies around perseverance and rebellion against meaninglessness. No one can deny the power of standing contra mundum—against the world’s grain. Camus immortalized this in his famous essay, The Myth of Sisyphus, where the ancient Greek figure is condemned to roll a stone up a hill for eternity, only to have it roll back down each time. Despite the futility of his task, Camus concludes:
“I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
Link: The Weight of the Absurd
This kind of toughness, though admirable, falls short of what we might call the abundant life. There is something ultimately empty about enduring just for the sake of endurance. The grind of life tends to leave men morbid, miserable, and weary. So, is there another way to live—one where we end our days not beaten down, but full of vigor, excitement, and hope?
Hemingway’s own life is a sobering example. His short story Indian Camp captures the heartbreak of suicide, seen through the eyes of young Nick as he questions his father about the tragedy:
“Why did he kill himself, Daddy?”
“I don’t know, Nick. He couldn’t stand things, I guess.”
“Do many men kill themselves, Daddy?”
“Not very many, Nick.”
Years later, Hemingway—famous, wealthy, a world traveler and adventurer—called his mother in desperation, asking what he should do with his life. Her response was brutal: “Why don’t you just do what your father did?” Shortly after, Hemingway took his favorite shotgun and ended his life.
Sisyphus, Camus, Sartre, and the Hemingway hero may have found strength in the struggle, but the tragedy is undeniable. They fought, but they ultimately found no lasting hope. Is there a different way to fight and endure—a path that leads to life rather than despair?
I firmly believe there is. My life’s goal is to stay faithful to the pursuit of this kind of life—a life filled with passion, zeal, and purpose, even as the years march on.
As a football coach, I tell my players that I want to see “unbelievable effort” when we watch game film. I want our next opponent to look at the tape and say, “Wow, look at that guy—he never quits!” Can I live my life with the same kind of relentless effort? Can I continue to find passion for life as I grow older?
I believe this is not only possible but pleasing to the Lord. It also serves as a beacon of light for others. With that in mind, I’ve broken it down into seven key “H” words that can guide us in keeping the fire alive.
1. HONEST EVALUATION
Before we can move forward, we must first be honest about where we are. I’ve wasted too much time pretending to be something I’m not. There’s no shame in acknowledging past mistakes. The key is not where you’ve been, but where you’re headed. An honest evaluation reveals that, on my own, I don’t have what it takes to live this life with passion and purpose.
2. HOLY HELPER
Once we acknowledge our limitations, we open ourselves to the Helper—the Holy Spirit, who is our seal of salvation and source of strength. The Spirit brings to mind the teachings of Christ and breathes life into the Word of God. He is the one who leads, corrects, and empowers us, guiding us toward a life that burns brightly for the Lord.
3. HARD WORK
Progress comes through disciplined, consistent effort. God is a worker, and He created us to work. Work itself is not the curse—it’s the sweat, toil, and frustration that came as a result of sin. When we work diligently with a plan and purpose, we reflect God’s image. A key principle here is simple: don’t procrastinate. Do it now.
4. HUMBLE HEART
Humility is perhaps the most crucial key. A humble heart recognizes its need for help and willingly submits to guidance. There are two kinds of hearts—the rigid and the pliable. A rigid heart is full of pride, resistant to change and improvement. But a humble heart is open to correction and eager to follow the Master’s lead. James 4:6 reminds us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
5. HUNGRY HEART
Humility creates a hunger in us—a yearning to learn, grow, and experience life to the fullest. Instead of becoming jaded or complacent, we can approach each day with the excitement of discovery. Life ebbs away when we adopt an attitude of “been there, done that.” Stay curious, stay passionate, and keep pressing forward.
6. HIGHER ASPIRATIONS
Aim high. I once heard a friend say, “Aim for the stars; you might only hit the moon, but you’ll hit something because you aimed high.” I have long-term goals—dreams and desires that carry me forward. I’m not in a rush, but I keep moving steadily, knowing that with God’s help, I’ll reach these milestones in His timing.
7. HOPE
How can we live without hope? For the believer, hope transcends this life. I tell my football players to run five yards past the finish line—don’t let up at the end. In the same way, we should live with the end in mind, running one more step past our last breath into the arms of Jesus.
Link: Biblical Hope
Staying Childlike
If I had to sum it all up, it would be this: stay childlike. G.K. Chesterton observed the vitality and joy that children have in repeating things. They never grow weary of wonder, and neither does God. Each day, He says to the sun, “Do it again,” and to the moon, “Do it again.” We have sinned and grown old, but our Father remains young at heart.
More Sticks, Better Fire
One final point: we burn brighter when we burn together. A single stick removed from the fire will smolder and die out, but together, we fuel each other’s flames. Surround yourself with those who will encourage you and fan the flames of your passion for Christ.
Link: A Better Fire
Let’s live with passion, vigor, and zeal until the very end. This will inspire those who come after us—our children, our grandchildren—to live the same way. There will be dark seasons, but we can never settle for mediocrity. We fight against the night, and in that fight, we find renewed energy and purpose.
Some may call this naive, but I’m determined to stay excited about life, even in the small things. When I get knocked down, I’ll keep getting back up. And I’ll keep pushing forward, rolling up my sleeves, and living fully, even now.
Link: Fighting the Fade
Link: I Smile as The Glory Fades
