Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Are you ready for some football?

At lunch today with a friend, I was waiting my turn in line listening to two men talk about the Super Bowl.
An older man turned to me and said, "I am not a sports fan. I don't even know what they're talking about!"
I said, "Oh, man. I'm sorry. You don't even speak the language, do you?"
He laughed and agreed with me. He listened to the men again for a second and said, "Every year it surprises me that this REALLY means something to some people."
I didn't know what to say...on the one hand, I wanted to appear empathetic, but at the same time...it means something to me. Now, I'm not saying the outcome of the Super Bowl has a whole lot of impact on my life, but I do care!
Who woulda thunk it?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

For me, I understand it (if I overheard a convo I would know exactly what they are talking about and could probably be conversant to certain degree; I know coaches, players, etc) but professional sports outcomes mean exactly zip to me. It's just a business, or has become that. Once sports ceases to be a purely athletic or pleasurable undertaking, it loses me. The superbowl is just a good reason to have a party.

carole

ps. I do sometimes think what God thinks about our obsession with sports in this country. If we, as a nation, even spent 1/100 of the passion, money, time spent on sports on something God related, it would be a much different US of A.

Carla said...

Totally agree Carole. Wish we packed churches to hear the truth the way we pack stadiums.

My husband said to me the other day, "Hey did you know the Packers won and they are going to the Superbowl?"

One of those things that isn't on my radar I guess.

Anonymous said...

I just re-read my comment. It sounds much harsher than I intended (I was talking on the phone while writing it.) Can I try again?

I am not into professional/college sports.I feel the goose that laid the golden egg as killed long ago. I attend Reds games frequently with my husband, because he loves to go. I love to watch the boats go up the river, eat a lemon ice and have been known to bring a book to read.

If our country could work up the same enthusiasm - as a nation - for God/the church that we do for sports, it would be an amazing thing.

The superbowl IS a great excuse for a party!

Carole

carole

erin said...

Carole, I didn't think you were harsh. Also, not wrong.
Also, I have grown to enjoy football. I never thought I would! It was a very special time of bonding and "quietness" for me and Richard this year. I think you're right...if collectively, we put as much energy into seeking God as we do our favorite sports, this would be a very different country.
I have to say, though, God met Richard and me in the Metrodome this year.
What does that say about our God? Interesting conversation here.

angie said...

it's okay, erin. :) i think it's nice that you care.

Anonymous said...

Erin, are you saying God is a Vikings/Twins fan????? That is indeed a newsflash. (And could be the most logical explanation for the generally dismal performance of our local sports teams.) Thanks for the heads up!

carole

erin said...

Yes. That's exactly what I meant.
:)