Football Is a Lot Like Life....

"Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority." 
                          ~ Vince Lombardi

Ever since I can remember, sports have been a part of my life.  Early memories of playing outside with my siblings, which soon evolved into a variety of competitive sports, still brings a smile to my face. Running, jumping and playing is written in the nature of a child.  Those simple, carefree movements, with a little encouragement, can foreshadow a future of athletic form. There is an exhiliration that comes from exerting the will, a self-propelled determination to run a little faster, jump a little higher or to play with a little bit deeper intention - an intention to win. 

Beyond the physical aspects of athletics, perhaps the most enduring benefit is that of the gain of virtue. As in Lobardi's quote - sports require perserverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice and dedication.  These principles prove themselves to be of vital necessity not only in sports but in life, primarily the spiritual life.  This is no man-made idea, or accidental function:  God has made the human body to work, play, endure...those things not being an end in themselves, but an action towards a greater good: holiness.

Evryone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it for a crown that will not last; but we do it to gain a crown that will last forever.  ~ 1 Corinthians 9:25

In the movie, Chariots of Fire, runner Eric Liddell is asked why he runs, his reply is simple, yet profound, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." Last weekend, we had a little football practice on the farm - and I believe that the boys did indeed feel God's pleasure through the sport...For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28

Andrew (7), Cousin Ethan (8), Benedict (9)

                             

~ FAITHFUL FAN CLUB ~

                   

                          

        KSU 31, UCLA 22