Super Bowl weekend; who are you pulling for?
Maybe it's because I'm getting older or perhaps from watching my child develop her own opinions, but I've reached a point where I recognize having passion is not enough. Passion must be directed in the most positive of directions to benefit one's self and those around you. Anything less is time lost.
It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I love the Pittsburgh Steelers. I wear the clothes, the magnet is on my car, the frame is around my license plate, the autographed Terry Bradshaw picture hangs in my bedroom (thanks, Honey), dozens of football cards clutter my drawers, and I rarely drink from the special Steeler glasses because usage increases the chance of breakage. Amanda Faye likes to remind me about the first night we met when I gave an impassioned explanation why the Steelers are far superior to all other NFL teams. By most standards, I'm a fan...fanatical...but is that how I want to be defined? I think not.
Since our actions speak louder than words, those around us will know our true passions, often before we recognize them ourselves, through what we choose to invest our time in. That's alarming, since my conversations with, and gifts to, my daughter have lately focused around the Steelers' playoff run. If my time on Earth were to end today, I would have rathered her know more about my passion for understanding Christ's passion: for us to know and love Him.
So, on this Super Bowl weekend, my goal is to remind you, Taylor, and each reader, few as they are, that Christ is our passion and that a game will always be a game. We are but a dot in time, but life is a line of time. Live for the line, not the dot. It's okay to have a favorite team, to celebrate their wins, and suffer through their loses, just don't lose sight of whose team YOU'RE on. There is no greater return on investment than that spent developing our relationship with Christ. All effort, all time, all money...all everything.
This may be my personal epiphany, but if shared with the one's I love, it doesn't stay mine. Thanks for reading. Go Steelers...but win or lose, I'll be in church tomorrow.
It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I love the Pittsburgh Steelers. I wear the clothes, the magnet is on my car, the frame is around my license plate, the autographed Terry Bradshaw picture hangs in my bedroom (thanks, Honey), dozens of football cards clutter my drawers, and I rarely drink from the special Steeler glasses because usage increases the chance of breakage. Amanda Faye likes to remind me about the first night we met when I gave an impassioned explanation why the Steelers are far superior to all other NFL teams. By most standards, I'm a fan...fanatical...but is that how I want to be defined? I think not.
Since our actions speak louder than words, those around us will know our true passions, often before we recognize them ourselves, through what we choose to invest our time in. That's alarming, since my conversations with, and gifts to, my daughter have lately focused around the Steelers' playoff run. If my time on Earth were to end today, I would have rathered her know more about my passion for understanding Christ's passion: for us to know and love Him.
So, on this Super Bowl weekend, my goal is to remind you, Taylor, and each reader, few as they are, that Christ is our passion and that a game will always be a game. We are but a dot in time, but life is a line of time. Live for the line, not the dot. It's okay to have a favorite team, to celebrate their wins, and suffer through their loses, just don't lose sight of whose team YOU'RE on. There is no greater return on investment than that spent developing our relationship with Christ. All effort, all time, all money...all everything.
This may be my personal epiphany, but if shared with the one's I love, it doesn't stay mine. Thanks for reading. Go Steelers...but win or lose, I'll be in church tomorrow.
posted by Steelerfan06 | 3:15 PM
2 Comments:
"...Christ is our passion and that a game will always be a game." That is a beautiful thought, well said. I join you in that sentiment, because we have an appointment, in another place, for a big reunion. We would have no chance at all for a reunion if it were not for Christ.
Many men will be depressed after the Super Bowl is finished, because they must begin their long journey to another annual blow-out...after which they will again be depressed, because football season will be offically...over. Finis. Done. But, life is greater than football...and Christ is greater than our lives here. To have a team and no hope for eternity is poor planning, in the extreme.
I am proud of your choices...your words...and your decision to be in church tomorrow. I will be there, too.
Dad
Your blog of 1/31/09 made your mother proud and brought her to tears! I say, "Amen!" Thanks, Russ, for sharing those thoughts-- so apropos.
We were in sync with you today--in church, communing with Jesus Christ, participating in the meal He instituted and by which we commemorate His sacrifice on our behalf.
God bless you,
Mom
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