If you are sports fan, then you understand the thrill of victory and agony of defeat. However, some cities tend to be tough luck losers, as if a curse is preventing their team from becoming champions. The nice thing above the 2016 Major League Baseball World Series is that one of two lovable losers will be victorious. Over the next 5 days, either the Chicago Cubs or Cleveland Indians will break droughts that have lasted a generation or two.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
On the road to becoming champions, those who finish second are scorned, often labeled as chokers, failures or second losers. Instead of enjoying the journey like the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, who is the only team to make it to 4 consecutive Super Bowls, the final score devalue their achievement. Unfortunately, professional sports is a results driven industry causing feel good stories to be ruined by impatient fans, managers and owners.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, Romans 15:13.
As I look back at my own athletic career, one of my most memorable moments occurred in the least likely of venues. This didn’t occur during my brief professional golf career or playing Ultimate Frisbee in college. Rather, my most gratifying experience came in a competitive men’s softball league. Similar to the character played by Kevin Costner in For the Love of the Game, I played every out like it was my last game. Whether you call this playing the game the right way or not, I found contentment no matter what the outcome.
by Jay Mankus