December 2005-Ballgames

This is the last entry that was in our church newsletter. 
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Bob and I like to go to ballgames. We went to every volleyball game, and the few Jr. High games that weren't on the same nights, partly because or daughter and grandson were playing, and partly because we just enjoy watching the kids play. And I also saw many of our friends and neighbors at every ballgame, for the same reasons I suppose.

We try to go to every game, and we try to get there before it starts so we won't miss any of it.

There is nothing wrong with being a big sports fan and supporting our kids. I think they need as many fans as they can get to support them, as long as we know where to place it in importance in our lives. I think sometimes we can let it take over our common sense. I know a few times I have been so enthusiastic (better than saying loudmouthed or a bad sport, I guess) that I have been thoroughly ashamed of the way I behaved at a game.

I received a forwarded e-mail a few days ago that made a point about the sports fan's commitment that I would like to share here. It made the point that some people put sports before anything else, and in essence make it their god, whether it's an NFL, NBA, or local high school or Jr. High game...

This god's temples are among the most costly and fabulous ever built. They are often built in the best locations in hundreds of cities and towns all over the country. Bigger and better ones are built every year, with no money problems. (Sports stadiums)

The seating in these temples are usually hard slabs of wood placed too close together, usually not very clean but the faithful followers don't mind a bit. The services usually last anywhere from an hour and a half to four hours, but nobody complains about the bad seats. (Bleachers)

Almost every person participates in some way, applauding, cheering, yelling, jumping up and down, usually no shyness about how they feel...

Nobody brings their own food for potluck, but gladly will pay extravagant prices for a little bit of food that is not all that tasty.

The offering is always great...this is always taken before anybody even enters the service, and everybody gives...(admission price)

The "disciples" are very devoted; they will drive several miles, sometimes even hundreds, for services. They will make any sacrifice to get there, take off work, rearrange schedules, almost anything to be there for the service, and if they cannot possibly make it, they vow to watch it on TV later.

No matter how the service goes, the dedicated follower will be back in line the next service, with their money to donate, and believing that something great and powerful will happen.

I love ballgames and hope that I'm never guilty of putting them before God. I pray that I will put into a church service the same positive enthusiasm I show at a ballgame. We have wonderful church services but I wonder how much more I would get out of a service if I would put as much energy into our service as I do the ballgames I attend.

I hope in this season of thanksgiving that we remember who we need to thank for all the wonderful blessings in our lives, and don't forget to put God first, before anything else.