Friday Night Footbal

Last night was the first game of the Loganville Red-Devils football season. They were playing a team that was supposed to beat them pretty badly. However, Loganville pulled it out in overtime 29-28. It was cool to experience the local fun. More and more this is becoming home for me. It's really not been that bad of a transition. I'm not too homesick or anything. God has brought a fair amount of friends into my life, for which I am incredibly grateful.
Last night I noticed something. Most of the youth group was at the game. They were enjoying themselves and their friends. I'm sitting here at Starbucks writing this and Starbucks is once again (as usual) pretty busy with a fairly large crowd. What is it about these places, these events that cause people to be such a part of that community? What is it about high school football that brings so many people together. Why is the team so big when many don't even step on the field to play. Why are they commited to it? Why do people sacrifice their money at Starbucks for a drink they could make at their house for a small fraction of the price?
There is just something about the community of the football team--even being in the audience. We are called to something bigger than ourselves, and we start saying things like, "We have the ball our 40 yard line." Why do we say "We?" I'm not out there. But somehow I belong to the team. There is comraderie. Even at Starbucks, there is some sense of this community that brings people together.

What can the church learn from these places? I'm not really sure. There is something about high school football and Starbucks though. There is just somethng that brings people together and calls them to commitment. All those guys have to pay the price every day in practice and most don't even step on the field. Why do they still go? Somehow they believe, (and know) that what they do is important. They are part of something bigger than themselves.

Well I guess that's enough for now. Just stuff to think about. I have to go to a funeral now, and then get ready to have some friends over for dinner tonight. Untill next time...