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Monday, February 2, 2015
Connections
This will be my last Jot about football or the Super Bowl for a while. Thank you bearing with me. The Super Bowl in Phoenix was a great experience. I know from many that they do not like football or what they perceive it represents, but I must say that it isn’t the game, its the people. Football provides an opportunity for wonderful ministry work, as I have stated repeatedly. And I must say that there are few venues that galvanize families, friendships, communities and even the nation more than does football. During the week, there were many stories–those of reunion with friends or family or classmates; stories of great enthusiasm and joy; stories of success–all surrounding football.
Many emotions were experienced by folks during the game itself. There was a father-son duo sitting in the row below us. They were Patriots fans, the young son, especially so. He was so excited during the first part of the game. Then, as the momentum switched to the Seahawks, he was na bit more subdued with his team trailing by ten points. Then the seven-minute mark, and Quarterback Tom Brady started picking apart the Seattle defense with short passes in the flats. The young man came to life. The Patriots scored and he was standing up and leaned over his father and hugged him over and over again. Then the Patriots went ahead and father and son were celebrating together.
Walking out of the stadium after the game, there was a young boy all of about eight years old. He was wearing a Seahawks Russell Wilson jersey. His dad was clad with a Seahawks hat and shirt. The boy’s head was buried in his dad’s arms as they stood in the middle of walkway. He was crying because his team had lost and the father was comforting him. There were other storylines on the field. Seahawks receiver Chris Matthews hadn’t caught a pass all season. A year ago, he was working at Foot Locker. Sunday he caught four passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Patriots Malcolm Butler was an undrafted free agent rookie who tried out for the team in May. He made his first interception–the game winner.
Sitting at the airport on the way home Monday morning, I was able to talk to several people–folks like you and me–who caught up with family and friends during Super Bowl week. A young man who came to see his Dad who was a pilot. They watched the game together. A lady whose friend she hadn’t seen for years asked her to her at the Super Bowl. She is a Christian and loves football. She is also the owner of large defense contracting agency. Her 83 year old mother will be moving in with her in March. So many stories. So many connections. So many Christians from many places who believe in the character and leadership football develops. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30)”
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
For God’s Glory Alone Ministries thanks Bill Wilson and www.dailyjot.com