Being Thankful in Spite of the Lion’s Success
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV
It may say something dark about me, but I have never been more than a “fair weather” friend of any professional sports team. If they don’t contend, I don’t attend. I have not been to a Lions game since they were in Pontiac. I think that occasion was prompted by some free tickets. However, this was going to be my year. This season they would be, as was predictable, a mediocre team. Their mediocrity would make me rich – and a frequent guest on all the popular talk shows. I could get a new suit and perhaps even a hair piece.
I have almost finished writing what should be deemed by the literate world an outstanding novel. In fact, I have also kept a lot of space open on the bookshelves in my den so that there would be room for the literary awards that I was sure would come. A bit presumptuous? I don’t think so! It is a book about The Detroit Lions. It has a working title of “Middle of the Road”. Perhaps just that much information has already caused you to anticipate the fairly significant assumption upon which the book depends.
To clinch things, all that the Lions had to do was be themselves. Since 1957 the Lions have averaged winning just slightly less than half of their games. They have rarely even been in the playoffs. In other words, all that I required of them for my happiness was their hallmark mediocrity! What could go wrong?
I actually remember the Lions of yore. I watched the 1957 championship game with some of my buddies on a 14-inch black and white TV with “rabbit ears” and no remote control. One would have to be at least eighty to have similar personal memories of those days. In a way I’m kind of glad that Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt, and Alex Karras did not live to witness this long drought in team distinction.
Now the Lion’s dazzling success has obliterated my hope of fame and fortune. Where will I find happiness and joy this Thanksgiving? Well, “happiness”, at least that small part derived from football, is pretty much out the window, but “joy” remains mine and it is undiminished by temporal events. If “all” things work together for my good, then what is not a cause for joy? I am, by the blood of The Redeemer, a son and therefore an heir of the Father. A million years hence, as I sit, perhaps on a ring of Saturn, with my feet dangling over limitless space that I will then share in owning – what will the 2024 season of The Detroit Lions mean to me? Though neither President Biden nor President Trump knows me, my joy is now and ever found in the fact that The Lord Jesus does know me! That is a warm truth that will bring comfort in a cold world, and it is a whole lot to be thankful for!
George Moore
Elder Emeritus
