The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team did not have a pleasant 2009. That could probably be the understatement of the sports decade. In fact, after the 2007 Sugar Bowl victory over Hawaii, the Bulldogs have arguably had one of the worst slides of recent memory in college football.
Entering the 2008 season as the pre-season #1 ranked team in the land, injuries plagued the Dawgs even during the pre-season practices and the 10-3 record, including a January 1 bowl victory, just wasn't good enough. After all, two of the three losses were to arch rivals Florida and Georgia Tech.
The Bulldogs entered 2009 with less fanfare, yet started the season with four consecutive victories. A loss to then #4 LSU, followed closely by losses to Tennessee and a huge loss to Florida provided reason for the Bulldog faithful to get a bit irritable. The unthinkable happened when Kentucky came to Athens and beat the Bulldogs, and many were ready to write the season off and would not be satisfied until the entire coaching staff was replaced. That is, after the proverbial tarring and feathering, and running them out of the state on the nearest railroad, without cashing in their $200 for passing 'GO'.
Georgia got by Auburn, and looked decent doing it. Georgia Tech hosted the Bulldogs and everyone except Mrs. Richt expected the Jackets to make Georgia's season sting even more. The Bulldogs played the game of their season and chased the Jackets back to their clubhouse, stinger between their wings.
Coach Richt made the difficult business / athletic decision to fire three coaches, including Defensive Coordinator Willie Gonzales a couple of days after the Tech game. The defense just hadn't been getting the job done. Nevermind the turnovers, causing many short yardage fields for opponent's offenses to run. Or the penalties the Dawgs kept being assessed with at the most inopportune times.
Through all the difficulties of the season, a couple of constants seemed to remain. The kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler. They have been tremendous all season long for Georgia. Walsh has made 20 of 22 field goals this season, including an incredible 7 of 7 from the 40-49 yard range. Even more impressive is his streak of 92/92 career PAT's. The 2009 Ray Guy Award recipient, presented to the nation's best punter, went to Drew Butler. He averaged well over 40 yards per punt this season.
Most talk of successful teams includes all sorts of information about offense and defense. The quarterback, running back, and wide receiver are so often mentioned, as well as maybe a linebacker or defensive back. They have to do their jobs, but one can never, ever overlook the importance of special teams.
Case in point, consider the Georgia Bulldogs victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2009 Independence Bowl. The Aggies had more first downs than Georgia. They outgained the Dawgs in total offense by more than 100 yards. The differences in this game, you ask? Georgia won the turnover battle, ending the game with a 2-1 advantage. Georgia has been one of the most penalized teams in the country the past two years. They only committed 6 penalties for 39 yards in the bowl game. Couple these two factors with the play of Georgia's special teams unit: One kick-off returned for a TD; a blocked field goal; a blocked punt deep in the Aggies territory, allowing a relatively quick score; plus recovering a foiled punt attempt when the snap went sailing over the Aggie punter's head, leading to another touchdown. On the flip side, Walsh made his 49 yard FG attempt, and nailed a record setting 5 PATs.
I sat and watched the Independence Bowl on pins and needles during the first 27+ minutes of scoreless football. I briefly sat in stewing anger as I watched the Aggies draw first blood after a long pass completion set up a touchdown. The kick return helped some, and then the blocked punt, setting up another TD made half-time bearable. The pins and needles came back in a hurry when A&M scored on the opening drive of the second half. Georgia made some halftime adjustments to the offensive line personnel, and it was obvious in the second half. This win gives Georgia a little something to ease the offseason pain of a less than average season by Georgia standards.
Special teams can teach us a pretty good lesson after this game. There are not two distinct parts to a football team. There are most assuredly three; offense, defense, AND SPECIAL TEAMS. Incidentally, many times special teams are made up of younger, less experienced players. The young man who ran the kick back for the touchdown ~ a sophomore. The young man who blocked the punt setting up another touchdown ~ a redshirt freshman. Even the "skill special teamers", punter Drew Butler is a redshirt sophomore and kicker Blair Walsh is a sophomore.
If you're a Georgia fan, I can't help but feel the future is bright. I am looking forward to seeing what 2010 holds. Is there a GO DAWGS in the house?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friendships and College Football
Watching college football is a hobby of mine. I am particularly fond of Georgia Bulldog football, but believe me when I say that if I'm channel surfing and come across a football game on television, I'll pause before even considering moving to the next channel.
The Georgia Bulldogs are playing in the Independence Bowl on Monday. Because of working a third shift, kick-off is at a bit of an inconvenient time for me, but rest assured, I'll roll out of bed in time to make it to a television set to watch.
Here are a few rules to remember when watching a football game with me: One rarely hears smack talk from me before a game. I save that for after the game. That way, if the game doesn't go UGA's way, I don't have to swallow nearly as much crow. That bird just doesn't have good taste! During the game, there is very little conversation. After all, I might miss some nuance of the game that is very important. Nevermind that if that happens, the television will show it fifteen dozen times. After the game, if UGA wins, I'm in a really good mood. Let's go out to eat, get some pizza or a burger...enjoy life! If the Dawgs lose, it's a different story. At least for a little while, I'll wear that loss on my sleeve. "It's just a game," some say. If someone says that to me, I'll kindly and gently remind them to please tell me that in a day or three ~ after the sting of the defeat wears off.
Some of those qualities are good to possess. Some, well, aren't so good. The bottom line is this: If you have a fan that's loyal to their team, you probably have a good friend. A friend who will be there when no one else will. You'll have a friend who will not leave you when the going is tough. Hmmm, I wonder what team God likes? Now, before you think that to be in bad taste, or think that God happens to like the same team you do, please understand the context of the statement. The Bible says God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. God promises not to let you down. He will deliver those who put their trust in Him. Can you be called a friend of God?
The Georgia Bulldogs are playing in the Independence Bowl on Monday. Because of working a third shift, kick-off is at a bit of an inconvenient time for me, but rest assured, I'll roll out of bed in time to make it to a television set to watch.
Here are a few rules to remember when watching a football game with me: One rarely hears smack talk from me before a game. I save that for after the game. That way, if the game doesn't go UGA's way, I don't have to swallow nearly as much crow. That bird just doesn't have good taste! During the game, there is very little conversation. After all, I might miss some nuance of the game that is very important. Nevermind that if that happens, the television will show it fifteen dozen times. After the game, if UGA wins, I'm in a really good mood. Let's go out to eat, get some pizza or a burger...enjoy life! If the Dawgs lose, it's a different story. At least for a little while, I'll wear that loss on my sleeve. "It's just a game," some say. If someone says that to me, I'll kindly and gently remind them to please tell me that in a day or three ~ after the sting of the defeat wears off.
Some of those qualities are good to possess. Some, well, aren't so good. The bottom line is this: If you have a fan that's loyal to their team, you probably have a good friend. A friend who will be there when no one else will. You'll have a friend who will not leave you when the going is tough. Hmmm, I wonder what team God likes? Now, before you think that to be in bad taste, or think that God happens to like the same team you do, please understand the context of the statement. The Bible says God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. God promises not to let you down. He will deliver those who put their trust in Him. Can you be called a friend of God?
Friday, December 25, 2009
I wonder just how God chose Mary and Joseph...
I was thinking earlier on Christmas Eve about Mary and Joseph. I wondered about the qualities they possessed that would prompt God to choose them to be the earthly parents of Jesus. Then, the thought occurred to me that Jesus is the only person who has been born on this earth to be able to choose His own birth parents!
Did He see patience in them (Mary and Joseph)? Did God see a particular gentleness or was it a firm hand that caught His eye? Did He observe a financial prowess in Joseph's carpenter shop, or Mary's ability to sing as pretty a song as she wrote? Was it a work ethic they possessed, or did they have a 'jack-of-all-trades' ability?
We'll never know the answers to these questions, and quite honestly, the answers have absolutely no bearing on the eternal scope of life. For whatever reason, I had begun to wonder if Jesus were just now coming to earth the first time, would I even be considered a candidate to be the earthly dad of the Son of God? Do I possess any of the qualities or characteristics of Joseph?
I would have to say that I would fall way short of Joseph's abilities and characteristics. I don't see myself as being even on a short list for that job. But the good news is that I don't have to be. Aside from the fact that He's already come, I don't have to be 'good enough' for that job. That's not the goal. The goal is to have as close a relationship with Jesus as I possibly can. Doing so means I want to involve myself with steady Bible study and prayer. It means I want to enjoy fellowship with other believers and a Bible believing and teaching local church. I will want to participate in being a genuine servant to others.
If you are reading this and would be interested in further dialogue about how to connect with God and begin a relationship with Him, please feel free to simply comment to me and I would be happy to share with you how you, too, can enjoy a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. There's actually no better time than right now to do just that. I'm praying you will.
Did He see patience in them (Mary and Joseph)? Did God see a particular gentleness or was it a firm hand that caught His eye? Did He observe a financial prowess in Joseph's carpenter shop, or Mary's ability to sing as pretty a song as she wrote? Was it a work ethic they possessed, or did they have a 'jack-of-all-trades' ability?
We'll never know the answers to these questions, and quite honestly, the answers have absolutely no bearing on the eternal scope of life. For whatever reason, I had begun to wonder if Jesus were just now coming to earth the first time, would I even be considered a candidate to be the earthly dad of the Son of God? Do I possess any of the qualities or characteristics of Joseph?
I would have to say that I would fall way short of Joseph's abilities and characteristics. I don't see myself as being even on a short list for that job. But the good news is that I don't have to be. Aside from the fact that He's already come, I don't have to be 'good enough' for that job. That's not the goal. The goal is to have as close a relationship with Jesus as I possibly can. Doing so means I want to involve myself with steady Bible study and prayer. It means I want to enjoy fellowship with other believers and a Bible believing and teaching local church. I will want to participate in being a genuine servant to others.
If you are reading this and would be interested in further dialogue about how to connect with God and begin a relationship with Him, please feel free to simply comment to me and I would be happy to share with you how you, too, can enjoy a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. There's actually no better time than right now to do just that. I'm praying you will.
Merry Christmas
Does it seem more and more that the commercialism of Christmas seems to dominate the worldview? Have you noticed that even in many conservative circles of politics and practices, wishing a Merry Christmas seems to be nothing more than 'tradition'? May the phrase take on a new, heartfelt meaning today.
From the Faison family to yours, have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
From the Faison family to yours, have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
An Outdoor Art Show
Not long ago, I attended an incredible outdoor art show this evening. Our family drove over to the beach, stood on the boardwalk and watched the moon rise in the Eastern sky. We try to do that whenever there is a full moon. So with the ocean breeze blowing in my face, and listening to the tide roll in, we watched as the moon appeared over the horizon.
It starts as a glow, then grows lighter until a bubble of light appears on the water. As the moon rises, the light shimmers off the Atlantic while the waves roll in to shore. I’ve tried to take pictures in the past, but our camera just isn’t good enough to really tell what is happening. The fact is, camera nor canvas could do this powerful portrait of creation justice.
The show on this particular night contained a special treat for me. As I watched the moon rise, suddenly it disappeared behind a cloud. The cloud was thick enough that even the glow was mostly blocked. Then, it was if we got a second moonrise for the night. It burst from behind the cloud with all the glory as if it were just showing itself over the horizon the first time. It was incredible!
Then it occurred to me. God was playing His version of peek-a-boo with us. The moon would shine so brightly and then would be completely covered up with clouds. It would come out again, and then be partially covered. Just as if a baby were covering his little eyes with his pudgy hands.
Could it be that sometimes it seems as if God is nowhere around? Does it sometimes feel as though we are not important to Him today? Do you wonder if God is just playing games with us? Or could it be that He is just trying to show us His glory; again and again and again?
Please realize God never takes His eyes off us. That would be totally against His nature. But the beauty of His handiwork that I was able to see at the ocean looked as if He desired to communicate a message of His creative genius to me. He wanted to make sure that I knew that the beauty of the Earth is His. He’s allowing us to enjoy it and be good stewards of it, but all the glory belongs to Him!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art, How Great Thou Art!
It starts as a glow, then grows lighter until a bubble of light appears on the water. As the moon rises, the light shimmers off the Atlantic while the waves roll in to shore. I’ve tried to take pictures in the past, but our camera just isn’t good enough to really tell what is happening. The fact is, camera nor canvas could do this powerful portrait of creation justice.
The show on this particular night contained a special treat for me. As I watched the moon rise, suddenly it disappeared behind a cloud. The cloud was thick enough that even the glow was mostly blocked. Then, it was if we got a second moonrise for the night. It burst from behind the cloud with all the glory as if it were just showing itself over the horizon the first time. It was incredible!
Then it occurred to me. God was playing His version of peek-a-boo with us. The moon would shine so brightly and then would be completely covered up with clouds. It would come out again, and then be partially covered. Just as if a baby were covering his little eyes with his pudgy hands.
Could it be that sometimes it seems as if God is nowhere around? Does it sometimes feel as though we are not important to Him today? Do you wonder if God is just playing games with us? Or could it be that He is just trying to show us His glory; again and again and again?
Please realize God never takes His eyes off us. That would be totally against His nature. But the beauty of His handiwork that I was able to see at the ocean looked as if He desired to communicate a message of His creative genius to me. He wanted to make sure that I knew that the beauty of the Earth is His. He’s allowing us to enjoy it and be good stewards of it, but all the glory belongs to Him!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art, How Great Thou Art!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Chosen for God's Blessings
Did you ever dream of being famous? Perhaps as a child, you thought how great it would be to be the President of the United States. Or could it have been the famous athlete hearing the cheers from adoring fans in the stands after making a sensational play? For some of us, though, in reality we were just hoping not to be the last one picked to play in the game. We may have had lofty dreams, but seemingly little ability to make the dreams come true.
Long before I was ever born, God knew me. In fact, long before my PARENTS were ever born, God knew me. He knew me all the way in eternity past. And He still chose to love me and shower me with His blessings. I certainly do not deserve His blessings and there’s absolutely no way I could ever live up to deserving His attention or even a second thought, much less the abundant blessings He gives.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus (1:4,5), that God has chosen bless us through adopting us into His family. By our very nature, we chose to separate ourselves from God. Yet, He willingly and lovingly draws us back to Himself, encouraging us through His Holy Spirit the entire way.
I may not be famous, and certainly no one has asked for my autograph lately. Well, except for the debit card receipts. But God has chosen us to be His followers and what an honor to be on His team! By the way, after reading the back of the Book . . . this team wins!
Long before I was ever born, God knew me. In fact, long before my PARENTS were ever born, God knew me. He knew me all the way in eternity past. And He still chose to love me and shower me with His blessings. I certainly do not deserve His blessings and there’s absolutely no way I could ever live up to deserving His attention or even a second thought, much less the abundant blessings He gives.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus (1:4,5), that God has chosen bless us through adopting us into His family. By our very nature, we chose to separate ourselves from God. Yet, He willingly and lovingly draws us back to Himself, encouraging us through His Holy Spirit the entire way.
I may not be famous, and certainly no one has asked for my autograph lately. Well, except for the debit card receipts. But God has chosen us to be His followers and what an honor to be on His team! By the way, after reading the back of the Book . . . this team wins!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Rejoicing for God's Blessings
In reading the first three verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m reminded of God’s goodness even in the face of trials. When Paul penned this letter to the church at Ephesus, he was in prison. Even still, he found a way to enjoy God’s blessings. What was it about Paul that brought about the joy and peace that is able to find blessings even while locked up?
He understood the Source of these blessings. He recognized that God was the ultimate Provider of every good and perfect gift. He was able to differentiate between the physical blessings and the more important spiritual blessings. While God is the giver of both kinds of blessings, Paul was able to distinguish between the two.
I’ve never been an inmate in a jail or prison. I hope to never discover what that’s like. There are other problems and situations I find myself in, though. And the lesson I need to learn from God’s Word this week is to remember that God’s blessings are not all in the physical realm. If I’m faithful to Him and His cause, I should be able to find blessings even in the difficult circumstances of life.
He understood the Source of these blessings. He recognized that God was the ultimate Provider of every good and perfect gift. He was able to differentiate between the physical blessings and the more important spiritual blessings. While God is the giver of both kinds of blessings, Paul was able to distinguish between the two.
I’ve never been an inmate in a jail or prison. I hope to never discover what that’s like. There are other problems and situations I find myself in, though. And the lesson I need to learn from God’s Word this week is to remember that God’s blessings are not all in the physical realm. If I’m faithful to Him and His cause, I should be able to find blessings even in the difficult circumstances of life.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Big Deal of Christmas
Christmas ad campaigns come earlier and harder every year. Sale papers and flyers litter every Sunday newspaper enticing us with ideas for Christmas gifts. I even heard a retailer for eye glasses putting a Christmas spin on a recent radio spot. The Political Correct crowd get into the picture in the debate of Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. Incidentally, for me, it will always be Merry Christmas, unless intending it to be all-inclusive with Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. So, what's all the fuss? At the risk of sounding like the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge, just what is the big deal about Christmas?
For the Christian, there is but one answer, however, there are a number of factors that enter the equation. It could begin with even the announcement of Christ's birth. The angels had the privilege of announcing His birth to both Mary and Joseph (separately) and then to the shepherds out in the fields on the very night of His birth. Christmas is a big deal because of the importance of His birth, and the angels' announcement set the tone for just how big the event was.
The couple chosen to be the earthly parents of Jesus also anticipated the event. Remember, they were human, just like we are. They were excited, albeit nervous, about this blessed event. Some of Mary's thoughts are summarized in Luke 1:39-55 when she wrote a song (now referred to as the Magnificat.) What a beautiful way of sharing a bit of her soul with all of us. Joseph allowed his actions to speak volumes in first of accepting Mary as his wife, then refraining from consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born.
The birth of Jesus was affirmed by several others in His early earthly life. Mary and Joseph were careful to fulfill the law with the offering of two turtledoves when He was eight days old. Simeon and Anna both blessed the Messiah in their old age, signifying their anticipation of such an event.
A short while after He was born, the worldly leaders were stirred with anxiety. The Magi from the East came seeking Him to worship Him. They stopped by to visit Herod, asking him of the Child's whereabouts. Herod immediately began to devise a way to put Jesus out of the picture. Obviously, Herod was threatened by this young Child. The world has continued to be perplexed and even angered at the very presence, mention, or thought of Jesus.
There are some relevant factors involved in how all these work together to answer the question about why Christmas is such a big deal. The birth of Jesus gives us an abiding principle to live by. The Ten Commandments had been given, yet Jesus' birth summed the Ten into Two ~ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said on these two hang all the law of the prophets.
We also enjoy an understanding of an abiding purpose. As Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He plainly stated His purpose for us all. We are to evangelize and make disciples. Recorded more than once in Scripture, this is plain for us to heed.
Among my favorite factors relevant to the big deal of Christmas is the gift of His abiding peace. Some 700 years before He was born in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah said He would be the Prince of Peace. When the angels announced His birth, they said, "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, PEACE, goodwill to men!" The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, said about Jesus, He gives the peace that passes all understanding (4:7)!
The big deal of Christmas can bring peace that passes all understanding. Suicides will spike during these couple of months ~ because those who choose not to trust Christ do not understand the peace they are missing. There are those battling discouragement right now because they do not have the peace that passes understanding. Worry and grief take an unnecessary toll on those who do not accept the peace that passes all understanding.
This is not to say that the person who trusts Christ will not have problems. Nor is it intended to say we will not grieve or have discouraging times; but what is certain is the fact that the presence of Christ in our lives allows us to deal with these issues with the understanding that He is walking the road with us. The big deal of Christmas is a confidence in the presence of Christ's principles, purposes, and peace. I don't understand a lot of it, but I'm sure glad to accept it.
For the Christian, there is but one answer, however, there are a number of factors that enter the equation. It could begin with even the announcement of Christ's birth. The angels had the privilege of announcing His birth to both Mary and Joseph (separately) and then to the shepherds out in the fields on the very night of His birth. Christmas is a big deal because of the importance of His birth, and the angels' announcement set the tone for just how big the event was.
The couple chosen to be the earthly parents of Jesus also anticipated the event. Remember, they were human, just like we are. They were excited, albeit nervous, about this blessed event. Some of Mary's thoughts are summarized in Luke 1:39-55 when she wrote a song (now referred to as the Magnificat.) What a beautiful way of sharing a bit of her soul with all of us. Joseph allowed his actions to speak volumes in first of accepting Mary as his wife, then refraining from consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born.
The birth of Jesus was affirmed by several others in His early earthly life. Mary and Joseph were careful to fulfill the law with the offering of two turtledoves when He was eight days old. Simeon and Anna both blessed the Messiah in their old age, signifying their anticipation of such an event.
A short while after He was born, the worldly leaders were stirred with anxiety. The Magi from the East came seeking Him to worship Him. They stopped by to visit Herod, asking him of the Child's whereabouts. Herod immediately began to devise a way to put Jesus out of the picture. Obviously, Herod was threatened by this young Child. The world has continued to be perplexed and even angered at the very presence, mention, or thought of Jesus.
There are some relevant factors involved in how all these work together to answer the question about why Christmas is such a big deal. The birth of Jesus gives us an abiding principle to live by. The Ten Commandments had been given, yet Jesus' birth summed the Ten into Two ~ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said on these two hang all the law of the prophets.
We also enjoy an understanding of an abiding purpose. As Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He plainly stated His purpose for us all. We are to evangelize and make disciples. Recorded more than once in Scripture, this is plain for us to heed.
Among my favorite factors relevant to the big deal of Christmas is the gift of His abiding peace. Some 700 years before He was born in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah said He would be the Prince of Peace. When the angels announced His birth, they said, "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, PEACE, goodwill to men!" The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, said about Jesus, He gives the peace that passes all understanding (4:7)!
The big deal of Christmas can bring peace that passes all understanding. Suicides will spike during these couple of months ~ because those who choose not to trust Christ do not understand the peace they are missing. There are those battling discouragement right now because they do not have the peace that passes understanding. Worry and grief take an unnecessary toll on those who do not accept the peace that passes all understanding.
This is not to say that the person who trusts Christ will not have problems. Nor is it intended to say we will not grieve or have discouraging times; but what is certain is the fact that the presence of Christ in our lives allows us to deal with these issues with the understanding that He is walking the road with us. The big deal of Christmas is a confidence in the presence of Christ's principles, purposes, and peace. I don't understand a lot of it, but I'm sure glad to accept it.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A College Football Fan's Perspective
College football is filled with tradition and pageantry. Fans of each team in every conference of major college football will be able to give reason after reason why their favorite team and / or conference is the best. I suppose I'm no different. I'm obviously biased and partial to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Southeastern Conference. Whether it is the multiple national and conference championships, the Heisman trophy winners, the Hedges or the line of purebred white English Bulldogs named Uga, I see myriad of reasons to be partial to the Bulldogs.
College football programs (as well as basketball and baseball) are cyclical at best. There are very few dynasties that last more than a few years, before rebuilding must occur. The true fan will ride the wave of the good years and tread the water of the bad. The disappointments of a coaches decision and a players' inability to execute the play on the field can add to the frustration of seasons gone awry. It's easy to point fingers and make excuses, but the fact remains, there must be a winner and a loser. The 'what-ifs' of life will not yield the character that sportsmanship and athletics desire to build in the life of the athlete ~ and the fan.
College football has, somewhat sadly, become as much a business as a tradition. In case you haven't noticed that fact, check the latest ticket prices to attend a game. Somehow, there are 90,000+ fans who are willing to pay exorbitant prices to paint their faces, drive their expensive campers to weekend-long tailgating parties, and spend more money than the average person could imagine are making sure a working, middle-class family of four cannot reasonably attend a game.
Coaches make thousands, if not millions, of dollars annually, and are forced year in and year out to prove their worth. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to allegations, investigations, and sometimes penalizing innocent young men; for you see, it is always the players who are years removed from the infraction who must pay the price for their predecessors wrongdoings. Much like an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the field, it's always the one who retaliates who draws the yellow hankey to the turf.
"Its just a game," some say. Superficially, those fine folks are correct. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer ~ they're games. Like Scrabble, Monopoly, Rook, and Tiddly-winks ~ they're games. The difference is these games have the timeless tradition, the proud pageantry and the glorious grandeur of serious competition. Week in and week out rivals run deep and bragging rights are on the line. Friends and families are sometimes split for just a few hours on a Saturday afternoon or evening because after the National Anthem plays, until there is no time left in the 4th Quarter, it's strictly competition.
Because of these rivalries, there are some teams in the Southeastern Conference that I cannot, in good conscience, root for unless they are playing in a bowl game against another conference. I have many friends who are die-hard fans of all the teams in the SEC. This past weekend, Gators and Elephants (why they're called the Crimson Tide, I don't know) played for the most prized possession of the Southeastern Conference ~ the Conference championship. Along with it, this season (as in the past several), the winner gets the chance to play for the National Championship. I have dear friends who wore crimson and white as well as blue and orange. Some even in the same family! There are players on each SEC team that I admire and whose abilities I respect. There are coaches who I admire ~ others I loathe. But at the end of the tongue in cheek trash talk, when the clock has said 0:00 the fourth time, we're still friends. Whether you're a Vol, a 'Dore, an Elephant, Tiger (choose whichever version may apply), Hog, Wildcat, Rebel, Rooster, the wrong Bulldog, or yes, even a Gator, I love ya ~ even if I root for the other team. Because there are just some teams I cannot bring myself to root for.
College football programs (as well as basketball and baseball) are cyclical at best. There are very few dynasties that last more than a few years, before rebuilding must occur. The true fan will ride the wave of the good years and tread the water of the bad. The disappointments of a coaches decision and a players' inability to execute the play on the field can add to the frustration of seasons gone awry. It's easy to point fingers and make excuses, but the fact remains, there must be a winner and a loser. The 'what-ifs' of life will not yield the character that sportsmanship and athletics desire to build in the life of the athlete ~ and the fan.
College football has, somewhat sadly, become as much a business as a tradition. In case you haven't noticed that fact, check the latest ticket prices to attend a game. Somehow, there are 90,000+ fans who are willing to pay exorbitant prices to paint their faces, drive their expensive campers to weekend-long tailgating parties, and spend more money than the average person could imagine are making sure a working, middle-class family of four cannot reasonably attend a game.
Coaches make thousands, if not millions, of dollars annually, and are forced year in and year out to prove their worth. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to allegations, investigations, and sometimes penalizing innocent young men; for you see, it is always the players who are years removed from the infraction who must pay the price for their predecessors wrongdoings. Much like an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the field, it's always the one who retaliates who draws the yellow hankey to the turf.
"Its just a game," some say. Superficially, those fine folks are correct. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer ~ they're games. Like Scrabble, Monopoly, Rook, and Tiddly-winks ~ they're games. The difference is these games have the timeless tradition, the proud pageantry and the glorious grandeur of serious competition. Week in and week out rivals run deep and bragging rights are on the line. Friends and families are sometimes split for just a few hours on a Saturday afternoon or evening because after the National Anthem plays, until there is no time left in the 4th Quarter, it's strictly competition.
Because of these rivalries, there are some teams in the Southeastern Conference that I cannot, in good conscience, root for unless they are playing in a bowl game against another conference. I have many friends who are die-hard fans of all the teams in the SEC. This past weekend, Gators and Elephants (why they're called the Crimson Tide, I don't know) played for the most prized possession of the Southeastern Conference ~ the Conference championship. Along with it, this season (as in the past several), the winner gets the chance to play for the National Championship. I have dear friends who wore crimson and white as well as blue and orange. Some even in the same family! There are players on each SEC team that I admire and whose abilities I respect. There are coaches who I admire ~ others I loathe. But at the end of the tongue in cheek trash talk, when the clock has said 0:00 the fourth time, we're still friends. Whether you're a Vol, a 'Dore, an Elephant, Tiger (choose whichever version may apply), Hog, Wildcat, Rebel, Rooster, the wrong Bulldog, or yes, even a Gator, I love ya ~ even if I root for the other team. Because there are just some teams I cannot bring myself to root for.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Music Matters
The Christmas season is filled with music. While visiting a shopping mall in mid-November, stores were already playing Christmas music. Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we expect to hear more and more 'songs of the season.' In fact, radio stations devote 24 hours a day to Christmas music.
During November, we made ballots available for our church to vote for their favorite Christmas carols. The votes were tabulated and this past Sunday, we began to count down the Top Ten Christmas Carols at Ryanwood Fellowship. A very important truth was mentioned during that service. As we began to sing some of our favorite carols, our pastor reminded us of the tremendous theological truths that can be found in them.
When we hear Christmas music this season, listening to Winter Wonderland and Frosty can be fun and bring out the 'festive' in the season. But as we hear The First Noel and Joy To The World, let's allow that to bring out the 'worship' in the season. Perhaps it will allow us the opportunity to share with a friend or family member the real reason we can celebrate.
During November, we made ballots available for our church to vote for their favorite Christmas carols. The votes were tabulated and this past Sunday, we began to count down the Top Ten Christmas Carols at Ryanwood Fellowship. A very important truth was mentioned during that service. As we began to sing some of our favorite carols, our pastor reminded us of the tremendous theological truths that can be found in them.
When we hear Christmas music this season, listening to Winter Wonderland and Frosty can be fun and bring out the 'festive' in the season. But as we hear The First Noel and Joy To The World, let's allow that to bring out the 'worship' in the season. Perhaps it will allow us the opportunity to share with a friend or family member the real reason we can celebrate.
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