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Lessons Learned at the Stadium, and in the Gym
Lessons Learned at the Stadium, and in the Gym
Odis Duncan
As a diehard Clements Colt, my family and I have sat through excruciatingly hot and cold football games. We have endured near floods and insect invasions. We have driven hours to a venue to pay someone for the privilege of sitting on hard bleachers with barely enough room to squeeze into our seats and loved every minute of it. We have stayed until the final horn, without complaint, even when the outcome had been decided early in the evening.
We have sat in gyms all over North Alabama and endured hostile environments to watch kids of all ages bounce a basketball up and down. We have paid scalpers prices to eat barely digestible food from concession stands because we had to stay for another game. We have cheered until we were hoarse and loved every minute of it.
So, what have I learned over the years?
- People get emotionally invested and passionate about what they love.
- Diverse individuals can unite around a common cause.
- People sacrifice (time, inconvenience, effort, money and voice) for what they truly care about.
- Even the most timid can be bold enough (vocally and visually) to let everyone know where she/he stands.
- We may be too quick to forget past successes, but we are also quick to forget past failures.
- With sufficient interest, one can endure discomfort (backless seats, extreme heat or cold, torrential downpours, crowds, noise, etc.) without complaint.
- Many do not let lack of knowledge or understanding of a subject (like the rules and strategy of football or basketball) keep them from speaking up.
- Fans are proud of their history and heritage (coaches, players, broadcasters, past seasons), feeling a sense of connection or belonging through it.
- Despite aforementioned unpleasantries and sacrifices, most remain willing to do it again in the future.
- Crowds can quickly build a bond with likeminded people, even strangers, out of a common love.
It is easy to see the comparisons and contrasts between our Friday night experiences and trying to be a Christian in our world today. Obviously, I am not disparaging going to ballgames and having a good time. It’s great fun! It always reminds me, however, of my need to exhibit greater commitment and zeal for the only thing that matters eternally. My prayer is that, in every way it can be measured, my heart, mind, soul and strength will be most invested in loving the Lord, His church and the lost. It also makes me aware of the vast potential in every person, properly directed, to seek first the Kingdom of God! How many, adequately exposed to God’s will and His offer of salvation, will wholeheartedly embrace and share it? Seemingly, the numbers are staggering! May we be enthusiastically going about our Father’s business.
