I hope I’m not a fair weather fan!

I go to all the games. I’m the one who’s really angry when things don’t go right. Obnoxious when we’re on a roll. At times, I do worry that I might be ready to throw in the towel too early. How does that coach keep his/her cool through all the backseat drivers that know everything there is to know about the job? I really do start to lose faith very fast as the game begins to fall to pieces and the score gets out of balance.

Contemplating this week’s miserable game, I begin to think deeper thoughts. What else am I to do? These little dramas are very insignificant in the long scheme of things. When I think about my behaviors in the stands and after, I’m awful glad that God doesn’t quit as fast as I usually do.

I sometimes feel as if he’s put me on the bench. To be honest, he’s not that kind of coach, one who’s mad at me and disappointed. I beat him to that every time. No, instead he is beside me giving me the strength and encouragement to make another play. Reminding me of the wisdom, experience and ability he’s been providing. I’m the one who puts myself on the bench – dumping hope out the window, instead of remembering all that good coaching my whole life.

Sometimes I get the strong urge to pack up and go home before halftime. Especially when it’s a late night and long drive ahead. When I stop and consider the truth, I know that God is going to stick it out with me all the way to the end. When the unexpected ending to the story strikes out of nowhere. When I can’t find a friend in the dark. No matter how many touchdowns I fumble. God isn’t a reflection of my own weakness, he is a truth that is more than I am able to be. A truth I experience.

I came to give life with joy and abundance. – Jesus (John 10:10)

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes that ref will pick up the yellow flag and stuff it back in his pocket – waving off the penalty as a mistaken call. I wish I had that habit in all the games of living that I am playing. Too often I am throwing flags right and left. At others who break my own rules and at myself for failing to live up to expectations. I don’t think of God as this “zebra” patrolling the field trying to draw attention to all of the mistakes. I think mistakes, selfishness, rebellion are all real parts of my/our game of living. God is the one handing out hope and offering a different way to “play” and win.

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” ― Robert Fulghum

Another game this Saturday. I’m thinking about eternal lessons. That must mean I’ve lost hope on this week’s field. Let’s hope not. I do think I’m a fan for life. I do think I have the only real role model worth imitating.

“The thing about football – the important thing about football – is that it is not just about football.” ― Terry Pratchett