Football, particularly Philadelphia Eagles and UT Longhorns, is a passion of mine.

I love working Sundays for the LORD and then coming home, changing into comfy clothes and grabbing Sunday's meal as we settle into watching the battle between teams.

Now, we say that winning isn't everything, but it IS a rush to see our teams win!! But when we lose, it is disturbingly frustrating.

I mean, I'm not suiting up to bash my body or anyone else's body. I am not pulling in millions of dollars for expending my energy & strength in a gladiator type sport. It's "just" a game, right? I have no literal skin in the game. 

And yet.... we all start the season winners. No wins but no losses. No injuries or bruises. Hopes are high. We all want to believe that this year is the year everything falls into place and the Grand Trophy will be in our city/state, carried victoriously through our streets with ticker tape and celebration: We are ALL Winners!! 

Then we played the first game. YAY! We won.

Then we played the second game: what a train crash!! We couldn't stay far enough ahead. We led... they led... we led... they led... 4th quarter we got ahead by 6 points with 2 minutes to play. Nail biter. Then incredibly the other team ran the field and scored 6 to tie the game and kicked for 1 to be 1 little point ahead.  Just seconds left to play. Gladiators fought but lost... we had stupid penalties and tough calls by the refs. We lost. 

I went to bed frustrated. Kinda sad. Annoyed, even. But it is just a game. The season is young. Hope still lives. Another game will be played next week. Eagles may yet fly, again!! 

So why so upset? 

Jesus is my love, my purpose, my savior, my hope. Do I yell for Him on the sidelines or the player's bench?? Do I jump up in joy at the victories? Do I practice harder, train better, study the game plan like a quarterback taking directions from the coach?

I love what I do. I love the people I do it with. I love God.

But do I get as upset when the devil steals a soul? When people fumble and fall, injured in the play of their life?

I had to think about those things. Because as much as I love to watch football, even wearing my lucky hat to support my team and "good juju" --- it means nothing compared to loving God, serving Jesus, providing hope to people and leading my church. It means nothing compared to supporting and loving my husband -- a Packers fan.

So, while we enjoy life, work at our jobs, serve our families and love our God, let's not lose perspective:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. 

Jesus will come back.... maybe soon.

Stay ready. 

And may your joy be complete when He returns. 

Maranatha, y'all!