I live in a relatively small city that is known for many good things. Recently, however, the emphasis has been on our local high school football team, Pottsville Area, which has qualified for the state championship this coming Friday. For those who don’t know, the Crimson Tide, as we are known, is not your typical team, and the pride and enthusiasm that flow from this community is anything but average. Indeed, over the course of the last month or so, the momentum has gradually increased, and the entire city has fixed its attention on the Tide.
Everywhere in town, there are banners, and everyone seems to be repeating the school’s mantra, Roll Tide. Indeed, Roll Tide signs can be seen in almost every place, from local convenience stores to the windows of countless homes. Literally thousands of fans and supporters have been energized by the accomplishments of these fine young men. (As an aside, these boys truly are fine in every sense of the word. From their intellectual accomplishments in the classroom to the character they exude in their daily lives, they are great kids!)
The high school itself is filled with streamers and numerous illustrations of school pride. We are even conducting a contest in which students adorn their respective homeroom doors in Crimson Tide decor. (I’m a bit bias, but I think my homeroom in the best of the lot!) Earlier today, in fact, there were people from the local newspaper, who were taking pictures and asking about our homeroom. (By the way, I teach at Pottsville High.)
All of the hoopla surrounding the football team has caused me to do a bit of reflecting. It is truly exciting to be in the school. It’s fun, exciting . . . (there must be a better word) . . . it’s electric. The team, the coaches, the student-body, the faculty, the fans–all are bound together by a single purpose, sharing a common experience.
I truly feel blessed to be a part of all this. It is a fantastic time, and every day seems to bring more of the same as we prepare for and anticipate Friday’s game. In fact I just said to my wife that this must be (in some way) what heaven is about; it’s like a perpetual celebration! Numerous times each day I am literally energized by the feeling of being a part of such an experience.
Of course I am not equating football with God. And I am not pretending that everyone involved in these recent events is somehow drawn closer to God. What I am saying, however, is that this situation illustrates what it ought to mean to be connected to God and his ways. To belong to something special, to feel a deep sense of pride and purpose, to experience a sense of unity and unusual camaraderie–these are special things. How incredible it will be to one day experience them in an uninterrupted and limitless fashion. Even now, to the degree that we encounter blessings, we can revel in what they represent. If good comes only from God, then God must be present (at some level, at least) whenever we experience good. Let’s celebrate the good and the One who makes it possible. Roll Tide!
Everywhere in town, there are banners, and everyone seems to be repeating the school’s mantra, Roll Tide. Indeed, Roll Tide signs can be seen in almost every place, from local convenience stores to the windows of countless homes. Literally thousands of fans and supporters have been energized by the accomplishments of these fine young men. (As an aside, these boys truly are fine in every sense of the word. From their intellectual accomplishments in the classroom to the character they exude in their daily lives, they are great kids!)
The high school itself is filled with streamers and numerous illustrations of school pride. We are even conducting a contest in which students adorn their respective homeroom doors in Crimson Tide decor. (I’m a bit bias, but I think my homeroom in the best of the lot!) Earlier today, in fact, there were people from the local newspaper, who were taking pictures and asking about our homeroom. (By the way, I teach at Pottsville High.)
All of the hoopla surrounding the football team has caused me to do a bit of reflecting. It is truly exciting to be in the school. It’s fun, exciting . . . (there must be a better word) . . . it’s electric. The team, the coaches, the student-body, the faculty, the fans–all are bound together by a single purpose, sharing a common experience.
I truly feel blessed to be a part of all this. It is a fantastic time, and every day seems to bring more of the same as we prepare for and anticipate Friday’s game. In fact I just said to my wife that this must be (in some way) what heaven is about; it’s like a perpetual celebration! Numerous times each day I am literally energized by the feeling of being a part of such an experience.
Of course I am not equating football with God. And I am not pretending that everyone involved in these recent events is somehow drawn closer to God. What I am saying, however, is that this situation illustrates what it ought to mean to be connected to God and his ways. To belong to something special, to feel a deep sense of pride and purpose, to experience a sense of unity and unusual camaraderie–these are special things. How incredible it will be to one day experience them in an uninterrupted and limitless fashion. Even now, to the degree that we encounter blessings, we can revel in what they represent. If good comes only from God, then God must be present (at some level, at least) whenever we experience good. Let’s celebrate the good and the One who makes it possible. Roll Tide!
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