I love watching college football.  I especially enjoy watching my alma mater, but there is something about college games that can draw me to watch a team I’ve never heard of on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

That something is the energy that goes into the game and into atmosphere surrounding the game.  People put their everything into cheering and hollering for their team.  People dress in all green, or all red, or all maroon and try to “Maroon Out” or Green Out” the stadium so that the opposing team sees only the home team’s fans.  And then there is the cheese head, the hatchet head, or the immense cowboy hat which bounces with every motion of the fan.  And then…  don’t ever forget the student who paints his or her face, clothing, or body with the team’s colors.

Energy and motivation…  Moving as one with their team…  Harnessed emotion flowing toward the victory of the team…

On the way to a game at my daughter’s college I asked a fella why he was all painted up in Black and Red.

“I do it ‘Cause of what the school gives me!” he said with a look that questioned why I wasn’t painted as well.  Then he let out a kind of whoop that broke the sound barrier.

Use a calculator to add up what all we spend on all this on any given weekend… or season... and wow…  I know I have at least three caps from my university and several shirts.  Of course I also have the requisite father shirts and caps and coffee mugs for my daughter’s college team as well.

My college gave me a lot.  It set me on a journey.  It prepared me.  I owe it a lot.  I love my school.

My Christ transformed my life.  My Christ saved me.  My Jesus set me free to truly live.  My God only asks of me one thing…  My all…

Prayers…  Presence… Gifts… Service…  Witness…  My all…

For what I’ve been given: it doesn’t seem like nearly enough.

This last Sunday I wondered what colors I ought to paint on my face for worship.

Grace & Peace,